What Is the Large Hadron Collider Good For?

Charity — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:47:45 +0000

I read an essay in the New York Times the other day that I thought was interesting, The Joy of Physics Isn’t in the Results, but in the Search Itself.

I was asked recently what the Large Hadron Collider, the giant particle accelerator outside Geneva, is good for. After $10 billion and 15 years, the machine is ready to begin operations early next year, banging together protons in an effort to recreate the conditions of the Big Bang. Sure, there are new particles and abstract symmetries in the offing for those few who speak the language of quantum field theory. But what about the rest of us?

If you are not familiar with what exactly the LHC is, this presentation at TED, in 2008, by physicist Brian Cox gives a nice overview, followed by a fascinating brief summary of the formation of the universe. Who says you need religion to have an awe-inspiring creation story?

Why Does E=mc^2? (And Why Should We Care?)

Charity — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:40:22 +0000

As if physics wasn’t hot enough on its own, there’s Brian Cox. In his new book, Why Does E=mc2?: (And Why Should We Care?), Cox and co-author Jeff Forshaw explain the equation that everyone knows, but no one understands and make it relevant to our world.

All that, and he’s funny on Colbert.

The Colbert Report

Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Brian Cox

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

U.S. Speedskating

Buy me this for Christmas.

Shatter Nicely » Brian Cox

What Is the Large Hadron Collider Good For?

Why Does E=mc^2? (And Why Should We Care?)