First Demonstration of Underground Muon Imaging at an Archaeological Site in Ancient Jerusalem
Yan Benhammou, Erez Etzion, Yuval Gadot, Gilad Mizrachi, Oded Lipschits, Yiftah Shalev, Yiftah Silver, Amir Weissbein, Igor Zolkin
公開日: 2025/4/3
Abstract
We present a novel underground imaging system that utilizes cosmic-ray muons to explore the subsurface environment at the City of David archaeological site in ancient Jerusalem. This report details the initial findings from measurements conducted at a large cistern, commonly called "Jeremiah's cistern" (referenced in Jeremiah 38:6). The system aims to locate and map hidden voids and structural anomalies within the overburden. Our primary outcome is the derivation of the angular ground depth, which serves as a proxy for understanding the integrated density distribution of the overburden. This work represents a significant interdisciplinary effort to deepen our understanding of this historically important site.