Kara Hoffman, University of Maryland
IceCube
Neutrinos are unique astronomical messengers which may provide critical information in identifying sources of cosmic rays and the processes out of which they are born. The search for astrophysical neutrinos has given rise to a new generation of neutrino telescopes of an unprecedented scale, including the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, the world’s first kilometer scale neutrino telescope, which was constructed by instrumenting the clear, deep ice at the South Pole with 5160 photomultiplier tubes. Both IceCube’s science potential and its extreme location provide excellent tools for engaging students, especially in this year as we prepare to mark the 100th anniversary of Amundsen and Scott’s historic expeditions to the Pole. I will discuss the science goals of IceCube, as well as the unique challenges associated with constructing and operating a large scientific instrument in one of the world’s most remote locations.