Lead in Lawrence County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Ray Davis and the Homestake Experiment
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, August 11, 2017
1. Ray Davis and the Homestake Experiment Marker
This "ring" is a surviving section of the 100,000-gallon cylindrical tank that Dr. Ray Davis installed at Homestake Mine's 4850 Level in 1965. For three decades, his neutrino experiment at Homestake opened up new windows into the workings of the universe, changing the way we perceived the world around us. In 2002, Davis received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his research into neutrinos.
Davis's tank was built and moved in segments down the Yates shaft to the 4850 Level where it was reassembled. The segmented monument reflects one of several unique challenges associated with building something of this size in an underground environment.
The Raymond Davis Jr. Memorial was designed by South Dakota's Artist Laureate Dale Lamphere. The primary element is a tank support that was used in Davis's experiment. The stainless steel ring that floats off the interior of the tank support was added by the artist to allow more public interaction.
Dr. Ray Davis supervises the fabrication of the tank used for his solar neutrino experiment on the 4850 Level.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine.
Location. 44° 21.131′ N, 103° 45.798′ W. Marker is in Lead, South Dakota, in Lawrence
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Open Cut (here, next to this marker); Homestake Open Cut Mine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Homestake Gold Mine and Open Cut (within shouting distance of this marker); Sweatman Art Memorial / Finnish Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Homestake Gas-Powered Locomotive (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pneumatic Rock Drill (about 500 feet away); The First National (Norwest) Bank (about 600 feet away); Homestake One Ton, End Dump Ore Car (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lead.
Also see . . . Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. Sanford Underground Research Facility website entry (Submitted on January 21, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota.)
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, August 11, 2017
2. Ray Davis and the Homestake Experiment Marker and Ring
The marker is located to the right of the ring on the retaining wall.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
