News Particle Physics

How neutrinos could ensure a submarine’s nuclear fuel isn’t weaponized

Monitoring the subatomic particles could reveal the removal of nuclear fuel from a reactor

the USS Asheville nuclear submarine, partially above the surface of the ocean

Nuclear submarines like the USS Asheville (shown) could be monitored with the help of neutrinos to ensure that the fuel isn’t diverted to rogue nuclear weapons programs.

Stocktrek Images/Getty Images Plus

By Emily Conover

Nuclear submarines might provide rogue nations with a path to nuclear weapons. But neutrinos could help reveal attempts to go from boats to bombs.