Core Insights - The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) has successfully completed the injection of 20,000 tons of liquid scintillator and has officially begun data collection, marking a significant breakthrough in China's high-energy physics research [1] - This facility is the first of its kind in the world to be operational as a next-generation large neutrino experiment, positioning China at the forefront of neutrino research [1] - The primary scientific goal of JUNO is to determine the mass ordering of neutrinos, which is a major focus in particle physics and cosmology for the next decade [1] Group 1: Technical Achievements - The JUNO detector is located 700 meters underground in Jiangmen, Guangdong, and has already obtained its first batch of scientific data, exceeding performance expectations [1] - The core detector consists of a 20,000-ton liquid scintillator housed in a 41.1-meter diameter stainless steel structure, equipped with 20-inch and 3-inch photomultiplier tubes [1] - The successful injection of the liquid scintillator involved meticulous operations, including the prior filling of over 60,000 tons of ultra-pure water and maintaining strict control over liquid levels and flow rates [1] Group 2: Research Capabilities - JUNO is capable of detecting neutrinos from the Taishan and Yangjiang nuclear power plants, as well as from solar, supernova, atmospheric, and terrestrial sources, enabling cutting-edge research in various fields [3] - The facility will also explore new physical phenomena such as sterile neutrinos and proton decay, enhancing the understanding of fundamental physics [3] - The project is a significant international collaboration involving over 700 researchers from 74 institutions across 17 countries and regions, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in scientific advancements [3]