Unearthing Naples: Cosmic Rays Illuminate Hidden Histories
Written on
Chapter 1: The Mysteries Beneath Naples
Naples stands alongside Rome and Venice as one of Italy's most frequented cities. The capital of Campania draws visitors with its charming narrow streets and, of course, its renowned pizza. However, what secrets lie beneath its surface? Recent investigations utilizing cosmic radiation have uncovered aspects of the city's overlooked historical narrative.
Despite modern development obstructing access, researchers have long known about the ancient tombs and passageways situated about 10 meters below Naples. These hypogea are primarily located in the vibrant and densely populated district of Rione Sanità. However, a collaborative effort between scientists from Italy and Japan aimed to discover additional underground sites dating back to the Hellenistic period.
To enhance existing archaeological knowledge, they employed muon radiography techniques. The findings of this research were published in the esteemed journal, Scientific Reports.
Section 1.1: Understanding Muon Radiography
Muon radiography is becoming an increasingly popular tool among scientists. Another research team is set to utilize this method to re-examine the Great Pyramid of Giza. But what exactly are muons, and how do they relate to cosmic rays?
Muons are subatomic particles akin to electrons but possess greater mass. They are generated by cosmic rays interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere, allowing them to penetrate solid materials and disperse into open environments.
By employing sensitive photographic film to track these charged particles, researchers can assess the flow of muons and investigate areas that are otherwise inaccessible, including underground voids and even volcanoes.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Technology Behind Muon Detection
To effectively capture muon movement, detectors must be strategically placed at specific depths and locations. In the case of the Hellenistic necropolis, scientists had to position their detectors deeper than 10 meters.
According to Valeri Tioukov, a physicist at Italy’s National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and the study's lead author, "A major limitation of muon radiography is that the detector must be situated below the target area since muons originate from above."
Section 1.2: Discovering the Unknown
Tioukov and his team installed muon detectors 18 meters underground, utilizing a basement from the 19th century that previously stored ham. Over a span of 28 days, they detected approximately 10 million muons. How did they ascertain the existence of uncharted cavities? The data collected did not align with the 3D models of known subterranean structures.
Based on the survey results, the newly identified chamber measures roughly 2 meters by 3.5 meters. Its rectangular shape indicates human construction, likely identifying it as a burial chamber associated with a Hellenistic necropolis from the 6th to 3rd century BC.
Unfortunately, muon radiography cannot disclose the contents within these tombs, leaving the question of whether they contain human remains or valuable artifacts unanswered. This uncertainty may remain, as archaeologists note that a thorough excavation in this densely populated area is both challenging and costly.
Chapter 2: The Cosmic Ray Investigation
The first video titled "Mystery of cosmic ray to be uncovered by locally-made device" delves into the innovative use of muon radiography to explore hidden spaces in Naples, shedding light on the city’s ancient past.
The second video, "The Fascinating History of Naples' Underground Tunnels | Italy's Invisible Cities," explores the rich and often concealed history of Naples' underground structures, providing insights into the city’s intriguing legacy.
The Unexpected Discovery: A Stone Age Dagger Unearthed by a Schoolgirl
A young girl from Norway experienced an extraordinary stroke of luck when she discovered a Stone Age dagger while playing near her school...
Thank you for taking the time to read this article! If you found it informative, I would greatly appreciate your support through claps or by following me. Any tips are also welcome—thank you!