Coming, Most Sensitive Dark Matter Detector

A next generation dark matter detector that will be 100 times more sensitive than its predecessor will begin its deep underground hunt for theoretical particles known as WIMPs, or weakly interacting massive particles. WIMPs are among the top prospects for explaining dark matter, which comprises 85% of all matter in the universe and is observed through gravitational effects, researchers said. The detector LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) has received approval from US department of energy for the project. The approval sets in motion the build out of major components and the preparation of its nearly mile-deep lair at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in San Diego.