Modern technology aids in the understanding of historical wonders. 2023

Archaeological sites and cultural treasures of the globe are still shrouded in many mysteries. These historical marvels can be elucidated using Japan’s cutting-edge technology.

Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Ministry has revealed the discovery of a new hole within the Great Pyramid of Khufu near Cairo.

Since 2015, an international team comprised of experts from Nagoya University and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization has been studying the pyramid. In 2017, the possibility of a second enormous vacuum was hypothesised, and the current finding is anticipated to increase our knowledge of the pyramid’s underlying structure.

Prior to 4,500 years ago, pyramids were constructed, but their construction and interior structure remains unknown. It was hypothesised that undiscovered holes may exist within the pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu, which stands roughly 150 metres tall.

Because pyramids are valued cultural artefacts, it is difficult to do excavation surveys on them. Hence, researchers at Nagoya University have devised a way to examine the inside structure using muons that fall from the sky.

Although muons penetrate through matter well, they are slightly obstructed in dense regions. This feature may be utilised to infer the existence of a big vacuum within the pyramid by analysing the direction and amount of muons that pass through in great detail.

The international team discovered a corridor-shaped space 2 metres wide and 9 metres deep above the entrance on the north side of the pyramid, and they installed a scope to examine the inside. The effectiveness of the new procedure has been demonstrated.

According to the researchers, there is nothing in the emptiness, and its purpose or function is unknown. Others say that it serves to spread the stones’ weight, but it is also claimed that there may be an additional path beyond the stone-blocked hole. Let’s hope the investigation continues and the corridor’s purpose is clarified.

Exploration using muons is useful for studying huge structures. Exploration of the subsurface of volcanoes and estimation of the dispersion of melted fuel at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power facility has utilised comparable techniques.

With the advancement of this technology, it is anticipated that it will be applicable to inspections of public infrastructure like tunnels and geological surveys.

The such scholarly study contributes to the preservation of cultural goods and boosts Japan’s standing in this sector. This is a significant endeavour that might be regarded as part of science and technology-based diplomacy.

The Japanese government should assist in the development of innovative exploration methods. Moreover, the government should contemplate providing comprehensive support for the operations of international research teams in partnership with other institutions such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).