HERON
ASTROPARTICLES · NEUTRINOS
International cosmic neutrino observatory funded by the ERC. Dr. Martín A. Guzzo has been selected as Argentine Site Manager. LED&T will be a future project site.
Project Description
HERON (Hybrid Elevated Radio Observatory for Neutrinos) is an international cosmic neutrino observatory funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The project seeks to detect ultra-high energy neutrinos using a combination of radio techniques. Dr. Martín A. Guzzo has been selected as Argentine Site Manager. Institutional agreements with UNSJ are being negotiated for signature in 2026, at which time LED&T will become an official project site.
Identification
- Status: In negotiation · Signature 2026
- Area: ASTROPARTICLES · NEUTRINOS
- Code: /en/projects/heron
- Partners: 4
- Technologies: 4
Main Objective
Contribute to ultra-high-energy neutrino detection through a radio-based observatory in San Juan, leveraging low-RFI mountain conditions and international scientific collaboration.
Technological Challenges
Extreme-energy radio detection
Support detector deployment and operations for Askaryan-based radio signatures under demanding scientific constraints.
Radio-quiet environment assurance
Maintain continuous RFI monitoring and mitigation as a prerequisite for data quality and observatory sensitivity.
High-altitude site engineering
Address logistics, power, environmental compliance, and safe operation in a remote mountain environment.
Multi-institutional governance
Coordinate legal, technical, and financial processes among international hosts and Argentine partners.
Key Features
Funding scheme
ERC Synergy Grant (14M EUR)
Scientific scope
Ultra-high-energy neutrino astronomy
Local role
Site management and RFI monitoring capability from LED&T
Program horizon
Multi-year deployment and operation roadmap
Phase Timeline
Phase 0: Site campaigns
2026RFI characterization and site validation in San Juan highlands.
Phase 1: Institutional agreements
2026Consortium formalization and local governance framework.
Phase 2: Infrastructure deployment
2026-2027Site engineering, procurement, and initial technical installation.
Phase 3: Commissioning and operations
2027 onwardDetector commissioning, data operations, and sustained scientific output.
Team
Faculty and Researchers
- Dr. Martín A. Guzzo
Students and Fellows
No fellows listed for this project yet.
Strategic Partners
ERC and host institutions
Program funders and coordinators
Contribution: Provide governance and financing framework for execution.
CNEA/ITeDA
Argentine executing counterpart
Contribution: Coordinates local technical execution and integration with consortium needs.
UNSJ and San Juan institutions
Territorial and academic partners
Contribution: Support site operations, RFI monitoring, and human-resource development.