In plain-speak the collider is a massive experiment that could potentially show some clues to the origins of the universe and settle (or get closer to settling) scientific debates. (And even a few bets!)
But the LHC has also sparked more than a little worry about whether the device is dangerous and could destroy life as we know it. Wired has a list of the best and worst case scenarios, which includes the discovery of alternative universes, dark matter and the creation of a black hole.
(Though highly unlikely, this would not be good for humanity.)
(Also, funny to note: when you Google "Large Hadron Collider," another option you get is "large hadron collider blackhole.")
It's easy to see why - the LHC has all the markings of a classic sci-fi doomsday scenario. A small town in Europe where a machine located 300 feet underground and a circumference of 17 miles threatens to unmask some of the universe's oldest secrets.
If you take a look at some of the headlines about the LHC and the upcoming tests, I think we're taking the wrong tact here. It's not that the experiment could DESTROY HUMAN LIFE, but more that we're entering the realm of comic book/science fiction "Super Science."
And in some way, isn't that extremely cool? Think of the possibilities! What's next, negative zone generators? Worm hole technology? Parallel Universe Boxes? Time machines? (What am I missing here?)
People, it's time to welcome the LHC with open arms and usher in a new era of "Super Science!"
Since I only partially know what I am talking about, here's a real scientist explaining how the LHC fires up and what it does. If you're impatient, shoot ahead to the 5:20 mark for the real action - protons colliding at high speed!
But for everyone else that needs a little fun with their learning - "School House Rock" style - fortunately the nerds in Switzerland made a rap video - yes, a rap video - to explain how the machine works.
Justin is a former newspaper intern and has the scar tissue to prove
it. Justin has been a staff writer for the Portland Press Herald/Maine
Sunday Telegram since 2003, and in 2004 began writing a weekly column in the
Monday Magazine.
If he had to pick a label, the column would fall under "youth culture,"
covering everything from high school dance etiquette, dealing with college
debt, the resurgence of Roller Derby and Portland's one-of-a-kind music
scene. This of course has not stopped him from answering letters to Santa
Claus or writing about his experience riding shotgun in a drift car.
Justin is an export from the Midwest. He is a graduate of the University of
Missouri and is originally from Minnesota. He enjoys bacon, cheap beer,
redheads, Burt Reynolds jokes and wondering what the soundtrack to his life
would sound like.
When he grows up he wants to be an international art thief. Or Captain
America.
Until then he'll be bringing you dispatches about "the young people" and
what they do.
ITUNES
other podcast
client
Subscribe