Annual Report 2021

Zur Startseite Uni Bern Portal Zur Startseite Uni Bern Portal

Cutting edge of world science in particle physics and space research

Key area

Matter and the Universe

The University conducts cutting-edge research in theoretical and empirical particle physics, the formation and development of planets and planet systems, and the search for life in space. In 2021, the University of Bern showed Switzerland and the world what it can do and its achievements in these areas:

After two years in the Earth’s orbit, the CHEOPS space telescope has exceeded expectations.
It could be a milestone on the way to detecting life on other planets: Researchers have succeeded in measuring a central molecular property of all living things several kilometers above the ground from a helicopter.
The NASA DART mission was launched in 2021: A space probe is to collide with an asteroid to deflect it from its orbit. Researchers from the University of Bern are also involved in this undertaking.
However, initial results from the international MicroBooNE Collaboration, in which the University of Bern is also involved, give no indication that what are referred to as sterile neutrinos actually exist. Thanks to this important zero result, the researchers can now investigate further hypotheses.

Stories

Successful space telescope

Two-year launch anniversary of CHEOPS

After two years in orbit, the CHEOPS space telescope has exceeded expectations. By reliably revealing details of some of the most fascinating exoplanets, it has quickly become a key instrument for astronomers in Europe and has led to fruitful collaborations throughout the continent. CHEOPS is a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Switzerland, under the aegis of the University of Bern in collaboration with the University of Geneva.

Possible milestone on the path to detecting life

Scientists detect signatures of life remotely

It could be a milestone on the path to detecting life on other planets: Scientists under the leadership of the University of Bern and of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS detect a key molecular property of all living organisms from a helicopter flying several kilometers above ground. The measurement technology could also open up opportunities for remote sensing of the Earth.

Involvement in NASA’s DART mission

Defending the Earth with Bern’s help

The NASA DART mission was launched in 2021: A space probe is to collide with an asteroid to deflect it from its orbit. Researchers from the University of Bern are also involved in this undertaking.

Apparently no fourth type of neutrino after all

No sign of sterile neutrinos

So-called sterile neutrinos have been a promising explanation for anomalies observed in previous physics experiments for more than two decades. However, initial results from the international MicroBooNE Collaboration, in which the University of Bern is also involved, give no indication that the theoretical elementary particles actually exist. Thanks to this important zero result, the researchers can now investigate further hypotheses.

Content