The Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the European physics research campus in Geneva, is an incredibly massive and intricate machine that aims to understand how matter and energy function at the smallest scales. This gigantic device allows CERN to explore the origins of matter and energy by colliding subatomic particles, observing the results as they break apart into ephemeral bits. Comparing CERN to an insatiably curious maniac armed with only a hammer trying to decipher the inner workings of Geneva’s elite watches, highlights the organization’s relentless pursuit of knowledge. Currently in the middle of a four-year operational run, CERN’s physicists achieve a staggering billion proton collisions per second, approaching the speed of light.
Besides its mammoth size and complexity, CERN is intriguing because it is funded partially by public money. In fact, CERN’s 23 member states, including the UK, contribute a significant amount of funds for its annual budget. But what truly captures our attention is CERN’s quest to unravel the mysteries of humanity: what are we made of? And where do we come from?
The Synchrocyclotron, which started operating in 1957, was CERN’s first accelerator. The discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 was a groundbreaking achievement for CERN, confirming the existence of a universal field that gives mass to other particles, as postulated for a long time. Recently, CERN made headlines again by revealing new findings on how gravity affects antimatter, further expanding our understanding of the universe.
CERN’s curiosity about the universe goes hand in hand with the public’s hunger for knowledge about CERN. With an overwhelming demand for guided tours, which currently exceeds supply, CERN is opening its new Science Gateway this weekend. This SFr100mn complex includes interactive museum exhibits, classrooms, and an auditorium that can accommodate up to 900 people. CERN hopes that the Science Gateway will cater not only to the 150,000 visitors who miss out on guided tours but also attract approximately 500,000 annual visitors.
Designed by Renzo Piano and funded entirely by donations, with a significant contribution from the Stellantis Foundation, the Science Gateway comprises five structures oriented north to south. The most prominent feature is a pair of colossal horizontal cylinders flanking the Route de Meyrin, resembling the LHC tunnels running underground. These structures, connected by a glass-enclosed walkway, create a literal gateway and evoke images of a space station, with their modular design and extensive solar panels. Overall, the Science Gateway has a sleek and intuitive appearance, although it was still under development during a recent visit.
The high-level glass-walled corridor that connects all the buildings offers a unique and precise perspective. From one end, you can observe the auditorium with black walls, comfortable red seats, and the adjacent classrooms. Moving along, you’ll encounter displays illustrating CERN’s scientific processes, the journey of particles from the Big Bang to the present day, and the peculiar quantum behavior of these particles. Understanding that it can be overwhelming, CERN also provides the Big Bang Café below the classrooms as a space to relax and absorb the information.
The Science Gateway has carefully curated displays suitable for visitors of all ages. These exhibits range from interactive games to historic artifacts. For instance, one exhibit allows visitors to build their own star by specifying its size, spin, and element ratio, and then observe its development in a projected cosmos. Emma Sanders, CERN’s head of exhibitions, emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and engaging environment for children without oversimplifying the scientific concepts.
Among the artifacts on display are pieces of LHC equipment, showcasing their remarkable intricacy and size. In addition, visitors can appreciate the world’s first Web server, housed in a black NeXT computer from 1990. CERN proudly highlights the real-world impact of its work, and the creation of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist working at CERN, is a shining example.
Guided tour participants have the opportunity to explore even more, accompanied by CERN scientists and engineers who volunteer as guides. A short walk from the main campus leads to the Synchrocyclotron, the first significant equipment commissioned by CERN in 1954. Shielded by thick walls to contain radiation, this precursor to the LHC operated from 1957 to 1990. The garage-like atmosphere, with giant wrenches adorning the walls, reflects the ambitious nature of the early days of nuclear physics and the establishment of CERN in post-war Europe.
Opposite the Synchrocyclotron, visitors can peek into the control room of the Atlas detector, a newer and larger piece of equipment that tracks particle collisions at the LHC. Patiently explained by researchers from Manchester University and the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council, Atlas’s design is elucidated through digital diagrams and a Lego model. Through a large window, visitors can observe physicists working at computer screens, with a playful poster reminding them not to tap on the glass.
Although Russia’s invasion of Ukraine posed challenges for an organization committed to uniting people for scientific advancement, the scientists and technicians involved with Atlas remain focused on their shared goal. With more than 6,000 researchers and technicians from over 40 countries, CERN’s unity in scientific exploration surpasses political barriers.
CERN’s dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the universe has ignited curiosity among the public. With the opening of the Science Gateway, even more visitors will have a chance to delve into the world of CERN and experience its remarkable endeavors firsthand.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
