Surprising Science — December 1, 2010

Particle Time Machine

The world’s largest particle accelerator has produced a primordial state of matter akin to what existed at the dawn of the universe by smashing lead ions together creating small Big Bangs.

bigthinkeditor

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The Large Hadron Collider, a 17-mile-long underground ring run by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) near Geneva, began colliding lead ions together Nov. 8. These atomic nuclei contain 82 protons, and are much heavier than the lone protons the accelerator was previously colliding. Now two experiments at the LHC—called ATLAS and CMS, respectively—have reported a phenomenon called “jet quenching” that scientists say could reveal secrets about the nature of matter and the evolution of the universe.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A worker in a hard hat and safety vest adjusts equipment in a facility alongside large red machinery labeled "Jefferson Lab." The scene fades into concentric circles, as if drawn by the powerful collider, leading to a bright light.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Could we build a collider bigger than Earth?

The largest particle accelerator and collider ever built is the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. Why not go much, much bigger?

Starts With A Bang

Why reimagining the particle accelerator is so challenging

CERN’s Large Hadron Collider is the most powerful particle accelerator ever. To go even further, we’ll have to overcome something big.

Starts With A Bang

The idea that matter is mostly empty space is mostly wrong

Practically all of the matter we see and interact with is made of atoms, which are mostly empty space. Then why is reality so… solid?

A digital image of a star's structure superimposed on a futuristic tunnel with neon arrow accents.

Hard Science

How particle accelerators recreate the Universe’s first moments

In the infant Universe, particle physics reigned supreme.

Starts With A Bang

Particle physics finally charts a healthy path forward

A great many cosmic puzzles still remain unsolved. By embracing a broad and varied approach, particle physics heads toward a bright future.

Up Next

Technology & Innovation

Why Everyone Hates Comcast

Comcast has become the quintessential broadband bully—an image that is part outside perception, part self-fulfilling prophecy. Here is a look at Comcast’s missteps along the way.