Neutrino Day 2023
In a record-setting year, Sanford Underground Research Facility’s (SURF) 15th annual Neutrino Day drew 2,000 attendees to Lead, South Dakota. Guests explored the science happening beneath their feet, across the nation, and around the globe.
“It was wonderful to see the turnout for Neutrino Day 2023 and to experience the excitement in every venue,” said Constance Walter, SURF director of communications. “This year saw the return of favorite and new activities. This is SURF’s signature event, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the event as a whole and the number of people who joined us to celebrate 15 years of science at SURF!”
This free, citywide science festival was full of memorable moments. Here are a few of our favorites.
Teaser: Neutrino Day 2023 from Sanford Lab on Vimeo.
Neutrino Day finale with Brian Malow!
Science met comedy at our Neutrino Day finale with Brian Malow. Playing off scientific concepts like the speed of light and conservation of mass, Malow’s show had our guests roaring with laughter. And, knowing his audience, Malow threw in a few neutrino jokes as well! Amid the punchlines, Malow talked about his early curiosity about science and his belief that science is for everyone, not just for scientists.
Photo credit: Ashley Beguin
Talk with scientists
What exactly is a neutrino? Why did you decide to be a scientist? What’s it like commuting a mile underground each morning? Scientists studying biology, geology, astrophysics, and particle physics deep underground at SURF answered visitors’ questions about their research.
Photo credit: Ashley Beguin 
Hoistroom tours
It takes Herculean power to transport people and equipment to the 4850 Level, and on Neutrino Day, visitors toured the Yates Hoistroom, where massive drums built in the 1930s make underground travel possible!
Photo credit: Ashley Beguin
Little Shop of Physics
For the first time ever, SURF welcomed Colorado State University’s “Little Shop of Physics” to Neutrino Day! Little Shop of Physics didn’t just talk about science—their team of education professionals helped attendees experience science in interesting and accessible ways, demonstrating that science is something anyone can do.
Photo credit: Matthew Kapust, SURF
Hands-on science
With more than 30 hands-on activities, Neutrino Day guests discovered the not-so-mysterious forces behind the phases of the moon; detected invisible particles in real time using a cloud chamber; explored how researchers shield their experiments from radiation; learned how to program robots with the basics of block coding; learned about biofilms—sticky substances that can be found all around us—and how they impact our daily lives; and so much more!
Photo credit: Ashley Beguin
Eye-opening demonstrations
Standing before the Open Cut, visitors learned about the geology that formed the Black Hills region. Internationally acclaimed artist Dick Termes demonstrated how art and geometry collide with his one-of-a-kind spherical paintings. SURF’s Emergency Rescue Team (ERT) demonstrated rope techniques used during rescue operations and taught visitors how to use a fire extinguisher in the ERT demonstration truck. Black Hills Energy’s outdoor display showed off a Ford-150 and Mustang Mach-E—all powered by electricity.
Photo credit: Mike Ray, South Dakota Mines
Let’s talk science
With in-person talks, audiences explored pieces of our Universe, big and small.
First, we learned how scientists are searching for the decay of nature’s rarest isotope with Sam Meijer, a physicist with Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Majorana Collaboration.
Then, Chief Henry Red Cloud and his son, John, discussed Red Cloud Renewable, a Native-led nonprofit on the Pine Ridge Reservation that focuses on finding energy-efficient solutions for the people who live there. Red Cloud shared about the cultural connections of the life-giving power of the sun—and the work that remains to be done to ensure that current research in renewable energy becomes accessible to all.
Photo credit: Matthew Kapust, SURF
Peering into the underground
During our livestream, audiences peered into the underground. From a lab space 1,700 feet below the surface, Dan Pierce talked about the technology behind Caterpillar, Inc.’s MineStarTM for Underground, which leverages Wi-Fi to safely coordinate the movements of people and equipment throughout underground spaces.
Photo credit: Stephen Kenny, SURF
Artists in Residence
The day included a meet-and-greet with SURF's 2023 Artists in Residence, Nicholas Kahn and Richard Selesnick. Kahn and Selesnick spoke with guests about their residency at SURF, the deepest underground laboratory in the United States, which will inspire a body of artwork, culminating in a public exhibition and outreach presentation in the fall of 2023.
Photo credit: Matthew Kapust, SURF
Volunteers make it happen
We had more than 200 volunteers to help us hand out wristbands, serve as crossing guards, host displays and activities, and, above all, share their enthusiasm for science!
Photo credit: Mike Ray, South Dakota Mines
Thank you to our sponsors
We believe that science should be accessible and fun for everyone. That’s why we rely on the support of businesses, organizations, and individuals to keep Neutrino Day, our signature science event, free and open to the public.
Our Keynote Speaker Premier Partner is Black Hills Energy. Our Event Partners are Haugo Broadcasting, Monument Health, and Hampton Inn in Lead. Our Community Partners are Agnico Eagle, Black Hills State University, City of Lead, Coeur Wharf, Dakota Gold, dialogue, Eagle Country, HomeSlice Media Group, KELOLAND, KEVN Black Hills Fox, Neiman Enterprises, Simpsons Printing, South Dakota Mines, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, and Twin City Hardware.
Photo credit: Ashley Beguin
Save the date!
Neutrino Day is the second Saturday of July. Save the date for next year’s celebration on Saturday, July 13, 2024!
