Hints of θ13>0 from Global Neutrino Data Analysis

Nailing down the unknown neutrino mixing angle θ13 is one of the most important goals in current lepton physics. In this context, we perform a global analysis of neutrino oscillation data, focusing on θ13, and including recent results [Neutrino 2008, Proceedings of the XXIII International Conference on Neutrino Physics and Astrophysics, Christchurch, New Zealand, 2008 (unpublished)]. We discuss two converging hints of θ13>0, each at the level of ∼1σ: an older one coming from atmospheric neutrino data, and a newer one coming from the combination of solar and long-baseline reactor neutrino data. Their combination provides the global estimate sin2θ13=0.016±0.010(1σ), implying a preference for θ13>0 with non-negligible statistical significance (∼90% C.L.). We discuss possible refinements of the experimental data analyses, which might sharpen such intriguing indications