CERN
In physics, failure brings almost as much excitement as success
Scientists have used the Standard Model of particle physics since the 1970s. The model has explained and predicted many properties of our universe. But scientists know other particles exist that will fill in the gaps in our current understanding. Finding them is one of the great challenges of this century.
Kate McAlpine writes Large Hadron Collider Rap
Some people learn science from books, and physics from looking at traces of tiny particles … or, for the general public, you can just hook up your iPod. Kate McAlpine penned the ‘Large Hadron Rap’ months ago, and it’s gotten 1.6 million views since hitting Youtube. McAlpine talks physics with the Takeaway from Geneva, Switzerland.
Protons begin circling as Large Hadron Collider switches on
On its first day of operation, scientists circulated a beam of protons around the Large Hadron Collider’s 27 km tunnel. Eventually, scientists will introduce another beam traveling in the opposite direction, both traveling close to the speed of light. What happens when the two beams collide?