BWhat changed
Borexino analyzed 3262.74 days of data and obtained a fitted geoneutrino signal of 47.0 terrestrial neutrino units, with approximately 18% total uncertainty under its assumed thorium-to-uranium ratio. Incorporating a model for the local and broader lithosphere, the authors reported a nonzero mantle contribution at 99% confidence.
Scientific scope
Borexino analyzed 3262.74 days of data and obtained a fitted geoneutrino signal of 47.0 terrestrial neutrino units, with approximately 18% total uncertainty under its assumed thorium-to-uranium ratio. Incorporating a model for the local and broader lithosphere, the authors reported a nonzero mantle contribution at 99% confidence. The analysis statistically separates spectral components and relies on detector efficiency, background models, neutrino oscillation parameters and local crust composition; it does not assign individual events to the mantle. The mantle significance is conditional on the lithospheric model. The total radiogenic-heat estimate additionally assumes a potassium contribution and mantle elemental distribution; it is not a direct calorimetric measurement.
Evidence
The linked original works support the scoped statement and contribution attribution. WRS has not independently replayed experiments or reconstructed a full mathematical proof. The analysis statistically separates spectral components and relies on detector efficiency, background models, neutrino oscillation parameters and local crust composition; it does not assign individual events to the mantle. The mantle significance is conditional on the lithospheric model. The total radiogenic-heat estimate additionally assumes a potassium contribution and mantle elemental distribution; it is not a direct calorimetric measurement.
Contributors
- The named authors in the research record · SCIENCE: These are the listed authors of the cited contribution sources. Paper authorship does not quantify individual effort. An incomplete list is explicitly marked; same names are not automatically merged.
Provisional WRS assessment, edition 2026-10-28.1. Independent expert calibration is pending. This grade does not certify correctness or assign ownership.
Full scientific record · Browse contribution grades · Request a correction