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How to build a dark matter detector - Jenna Saffin

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More than 2 kilometers below the surface of northern Ontario, suspended in 345,000 liters of ultra-pure water, there’s a perfect sphere. Scientists continuously monitor this chamber, looking for a glimmer of light in the darkness. Why? Because that light would indicate the presence of one of the universe’s greatest mysteries: dark matter. Jenna Saffin describes how this dark matter detector works.

Some elements work well as detector mediums, but some do not. Why do you think elements like uranium would not work in dark matter detectors?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Jenna Saffin
  • Director Franz Palomares
  • Script Editor Dan Kwartler
  • Designer Tara Sunil Thomas
  • Music Matt Tyson
  • Associate Producer Elizabeth Cox, Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki
  • Fact-Checker Brian Gutierrez

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