UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

IceCube, discussed in the editorial, is primarily designed to detect:

  1. High-energy neutrinos using sensors embedded in Antarctic ice
  2. Gravitational waves using laser interferometers
  3. Cosmic microwave background radiation using Himalayan radio telescopes
  4. Solar wind particles using geostationary satellites

Answer

Correct Answer

High-energy neutrinos using sensors embedded in Antarctic ice

Explanation

IceCube detects neutrinos when their interactions in Antarctic ice produce flashes recorded by optical sensors. B describes gravitational-wave observatories such as LIGO. C concerns microwave-background instruments, while D concerns space-based solar observations. The defining feature is neutrino detection through secondary light in ice.

Topics: astronomy, icecube observatory, neutrino astronomy, science and technology