Astrophysics Uniquely Enabled by Observations of High-Energy Cosmic Neutrinos

TL;DR

High-energy cosmic neutrinos provide unique insights into the Universe's most energetic sources, and upcoming observations will significantly advance astrophysics and fundamental physics understanding.

Contribution

This white paper outlines the key astrophysics questions that neutrino astronomy can address in the next decade, emphasizing the potential of multi-messenger observations.

Findings

Measurement of diffuse neutrino flux will reveal energetic source populations.

Detection of neutrinos from point sources will identify specific astrophysical objects.

Multi-messenger observations will enhance understanding of cosmic accelerators.

Abstract

High-energy cosmic neutrinos carry unique information about the most energetic non-thermal sources in the Universe. This white paper describes the outstanding astrophysics questions that neutrino astronomy can address in the coming decade. A companion white paper discusses how the observation of cosmic neutrinos can address open questions in fundamental physics. Detailed measurements of the diffuse neutrino flux, measurements of neutrinos from point sources, and multi-messenger observations with neutrinos will enable the discovery and characterization of the most energetic sources in the Universe.