SNO Lab Tour

SNO LAB is an underground science laboratory specializing in neutrino and dark matter physics. Situated in the Vale Creighton Mine located near Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, SNO LAB is an expansion of the existing facilities constructed for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) solar neutrino experiment. SNO LAB follows on the important achievements in neutrino physics achieved by SNO and other underground physics measurements.

See snolab.ca for more info.

• This fascinating lab is located 2 kilometres below the earth's surface in a working mine so there are important considerations everyone must consider before signing up.
• As the laboratory is 2000 metres below the surface, you will experience a significant air pressure change. This is similar to the descent stage in jet air travel. Changes in air pressure can cause ear-drum pain, perforation, vertigo, or hearing loss. 
• Travelling underground also puts about 25 to 30 percent more pressure on the body and will result in you feeling fatigued.
• There is 1500 metre walk from elevator shaft to lab door in a humid uneven mine tunnel (drift). You will be wearing miner clothing and heavy boots during this walk. Of course, you will return this way at the end of the tour.
• Contact lenses may not be worn in the dusty environment. Eye glasses are accepted.
• This is a clean room facility so everyone must shower and change to special clean clothes before entering the lab.
• Visitors must have the ability to scale a 50 foot ladder, in case of mine evacuation.
• Visitors with casts or dressings on significant wounds are not permitted
• underground.
• Visitors must be 18 years or older.
• There are risks to life and limb entering a mine.

If your Tour Guide or Vale representative does not feel you meet these requirements, you will not be permitted underground.

We go down and come up with shift changes so we have to be there early in the morning. It is recommended that you spend the night before in Sudbury.

We have arranged for block of rooms at the Travelodge hotel at a good discount. The block of rooms will be held until May 24; the discount code will work after. By the way the Travelodge is very near Science North centre. You will be responsible for booking and paying for your hotel room.

You will be responsible for your transportation to and from Sudbury and possibly to the SNO (depending on how many of us have mini vans we could car pool over or there is talk of renting a bus).

Lunches have to be brought down with us.

The tour of the lab is free but additional charges to cover box lunches, hospitality suite, and if needed a mini bus, will apply. The fee is to be finalised but will be $40 or less.

Tour is limited to a maximum of 25 people. If overbooked, we will implement a waiting list.

Please sign up at this email address sno@toronto.rasc.ca or on the sign-up form at meetings. You will be contacted by the registrar as to where to submit your fees.