New physics research lab will study neutrinos

Federal and state officials are commemorating the opening of a high tech physics lab in northern Minnesota today.

The new research facility, known as NOva, will house a 15,000-ton particle detector. The instrument will be used to study neutrinos, subatomic particles that researchers say are key to understanding the formation of the universe.

University of Minnesota physicist Marvin Marshak said it will take another two years to get the neutrino detector installed at the facility, which is about 40 miles southeast of International Falls. "So what we're celebrating is the completion of the building," Marshak said. "And of course that means when you get to the top of one hill you look out and you see the next hill. And our next hill will be installation of the detector itself."

Marshak says the facility currently employs about 20 people. He says that number will increase to 50 or 60 for the installation of the NOva detector.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

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