HeraldNet: Scientists try to destroy earth ... or not



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Technology Blog

July 3, 2008

Associated Press (click to enlarge)

In this file photo is the core of the world's largest superconducting solenoid magnet at the European Organization for Nuclear Research's Large Hadron Collider particle accelerator. The accelerator is scheduled to switch on next month.

Scientists try to destroy earth ... or not

Posted at 3:52 pm by Eric Fetters

It's the day before the holiday where we all celebrate our independence by blowing things up. In that vain ... One of the strangest techy stories this week is all about the world's most powerful atom smasher.

Scientists are excited, as this could help them find traces of extra dimensions of space and help us find out more about dark matter and antimatter.

But, as the Associated Press' story puts it, some people are worried. Key quote: "Will it spawn a black hole that could swallow Earth? Or spit out particles that could turn the planet into a hot dead clump?"

Don't worry, scientists say. Here's one who actually explains it all in great detail. If you're allergic to physics, like I am, be forewarned: you might get a headache from reading all this.

Here's another explanation of all this, including the tidbit that the U.S. started building a supercollider like this in the 1990s, but it later was canceled by Congress.

Anyway, if you notice a huge black hole coming your way next month, now you know who to blame.

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