The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) located at CERN attempted to recreate a miniature version of the "Big Bang" on Wednesday, September 10, 2008.The Associated Press: Cern Fires Up New Atom Smasher to near Big Bang (September 7, 2008) However, a mechanical problem caused this system to fail, and the experiments won't resume until November 2009.
Scientists hope to find answers to questions about black holes, dark matter and why the universe appears the way it does.Telegraph: Scientists Receive Death Threats over 'end-of-world' Experiment (September 8, 2008)
Big Bang Experiment Fears
Doomsayers and misinformed skeptics questioned the safety of the experiment. They believed that micro black holes that may be potentially created in the experiment would grow and "swallow the planet." Experts involved with the project, and the physics community at large, have shown that the claim is nonsense.Telegraph: Scientists Receive Death Threats over 'end-of-world' Experiment (September 8, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
The "Big Bang Experiment" will be conducted by the Large Hadron Collider at CERN
-
Fact:
-
Estimated project cost
-
Fact:
On September 10, 2008, the collider was turned on for the first time
-
Fact:
On September 19, 2008, a faulty electrical connection caused 53 magnets to be damaged in the LHC, forcing it's temporary shutdown.
-
Fact:
The LHC is scheduled to resume operation in November 2009
