Measuring the neutron’s lifetime from space could solve an enduring mystery
NASA’s MESSENGER data may show how to distinguish between two conflicting earthly measurements
![MESSENGER spacecraft orbiting Mercury](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/061220_ec_neutron-lifetime_feat.jpg?fit=1028%2C579&ssl=1)
Scientists used data from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft (illustrated in orbit around Mercury) to estimate how long neutrons live before decaying.
NASA, Johns Hopkins APL, Carnegie Institution of Washington