CERN scientists call for a bigger particle accelerator

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, located beneath the ground near Geneva, Switzerland. It first started operating in 2008 and achieved its first high-energy particle collisions in 2010. The LHC has since undergone several upgrades to enhance its capabilities.

One of the major discoveries made by the LHC was the identification of the Higgs boson, also known as the “God particle,” which helped scientists understand the origin of mass in the universe. However, the LHC has not been able to uncover the secrets of dark matter and dark energy, which are elusive forces and particles that make up about 95% of the universe.

In an effort to further explore these mysteries, scientists at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, have proposed the construction of a new “supercollider” called the Future Circular Collider (FCC). The FCC would be the successor to the LHC and is expected to have a circumference of over 56 miles, making it even larger and more powerful.

The FCC project aims to push the boundaries of energy and intensity in particle colliders. It involves universities and experts from around the world and would be funded by CERN member nations, including the UK. The construction of the FCC is projected to begin in the 2040s.

However, the proposed £17bn price tag of the FCC has led to criticism from various experts. Some argue that in the face of pressing global challenges like the climate emergency, research funds could be better utilized to create a sustainable future. Critics question the allocation of resources for a project of this magnitude.

CERN defends the need for the FCC, stating that it would provide a powerful tool for humanity to make significant advancements in understanding fundamental physics and the universe. They claim that the FCC would have a smaller carbon footprint and use less energy compared to other supercolliders with similar capabilities.