The Biggest Science Experiment...EVER!

By Shari Einhorn

Okay folks...I learned more about physics today in 4 hours than in all of high school and college combined!  My head might actually explode or implode...whichever is worse!

We went to Brookhaven National Lab today to watch a really cool experiment going on in an underground ring 300 feet below the Swiss French border.

Scientists from around the world sent the first beam of protons through a 17 mile racetrack -- officially called a particle accelerator -- in what they hope is the first step toward understanding how the universe was created.

You've heard of the Big Bang theory?  No, not the show that's on CBS.  It's the theory that there was some colossal explosion about a gazillion years ago that began the universe. 

Today was sort of a first step.  But once they get the ball rolling...or protons accelerating...the experiment will eventually involve two proton beams that are fired in opposite directions smashing into each other in a head-on collision.  Scientists are hoping to re-create the conditions that existed a split second after the Big Bang! 

I've spent the day trying to digest all of the science behind it -- but I have to admit it's a little ... no, a lot mind boggling.  We got to watch a recap of the days events via satellite from the lab in Switzerland and that was really interesting!  I'm comparing it to what is like the Superbowl for scientists -- and their team just scored the winning touchdown! 

The folks at BNL were fantastic at explaining things in English (I take offense to the phrase...dumbing it down, because I'm not dumb.  I just majored in English, not physics).

This is what I love about my job...you learn something new everyday.  On Monday I learned about bamboo plants.  On Tuesday it was eminent domain.  And today it was about particle accelerators.  Who knows what it will be next time?

If you want to learn more about what's going on in Switzerland...check out these websites.  I think it's fair to say they'll be a little more detailed than I was! 

European Organization for Nuclear Research

The U.S. at the LHC

Large Hadron Rap

Shari