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IceCube Neutrino Traced to Distant Starburst Galaxy, Boosting Cosmic-Noon Background

7/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory recorded event IC 210922A on September 22, 2021.
Scientists traced the neutrino to the dusty, lensed starburst galaxy JCMT0402-0424 (Shadow Blaster) about 11 billion light-years away.
ALMA imaging and Swift X-ray and gamma-ray observations showed no active galactic nucleus in the galaxy.
Researchers reported on June 17, 2026 that star formation in the galaxy’s ~1,500-light-year core could account for up to ~20% of the neutrino background, linking the event to the cosmic-noon star-formation peak.

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Story summary

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory recorded event IC 210922A on September 22, 2021.
Scientists traced the neutrino to the dusty, lensed starburst galaxy JCMT0402-0424 (Shadow Blaster) about 11 billion light-years away.
ALMA imaging and Swift X-ray and gamma-ray observations showed no active galactic nucleus in the galaxy.
Researchers reported on June 17, 2026 that star formation in the galaxy’s ~1,500-light-year core could account for up to ~20% of the neutrino background, linking the event to the cosmic-noon star-formation peak.