CERN’s New 91km-Long Particle Accelerator May Soon Unveil the End of the Universe

Officials at CERN, the world’s leading particle physics research institute, have announced plans to build the world’s largest particle accelerator. The machine is designed to smash molecules at near the speed of light, marking a significant step forward.

The proposed super collider, called the Future Circular Collider (FCC), will be a massive 91 km in length, three times the size of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This new machine will allow scientists to collide particles with greater precision and energy than ever before, potentially unraveling some of the universe’s biggest mysteries. These include the existence of more matter than antimatter, the nature of dark matter and energy, the presence of hidden extra dimensions, and the existence of the universe as a whole.

This step forward is significant because scientists hope the FCC will deepen their understanding of particle physics, aiming to explain why particles have specific masses and forces, and to uncover the nature of dark matter and dark energy, which account for 95% of the mass-energy of the universe. If approved, construction is expected to start by the mid-2030s, with the first stage operating around 2045, followed by a second phase extending research into the 2070s, establishing the FCC as a multigenerational scientific research effort.

Is bigger always better?

The importance of building larger particle accelerators lies in the fact that they can achieve higher collision energies. The goal is to put in enough energy to create new particles, such as the Higgs boson. The FCC aims to eventually reach seven times the collision energy of the LHC, offering a new and more complete understanding of physics.

The FCC will be capable of creating millions of Higgs particles, providing scientists with the opportunity to study them in great detail to understand how they interact with other particles. The Higgs boson is a carrier particle of the Higgs field that permeates space and gives mass to other particles, challenging previously held concepts about matter and mass.

CERN’s proposed super collider would be 91 km long and would be the largest particle collider ever built. The hope is that its increased precision and higher collision energies will eventually allow physicists to understand the nature of the Higgs boson, and perhaps even reality itself. – Image credit: CERN

god particle

In addition to providing deeper insight into the Higgs boson, the FCC will also aim to uncover the mechanisms by which the Higgs boson interacts and its significance in the universe. It is thought to have played a crucial role in the very beginning of the universe, nanoseconds after the big bang, by giving mass to matter as the universe grew and cooled. The influence of the Higgs boson is also relevant in understanding how the universe will end, as it affects the stability of the universe itself.

The FCC is expected to contribute to our understanding of whether the universe is in a stable or unstable state, providing the key to answering fundamental questions about the universe’s fate.

the beginning and end of the universe

The FCC will play a crucial role in answering questions about the beginning and the end of the universe, with the expertise of notable scientists like Marcus Chown, professor Andy Parker, and Matthew McCullough. The expectation is that this new accelerator will contribute to an in-depth understanding of the fundamental physics that govern the universe and our place within it.

About our experts

Marcus Chown is an award-winning author, broadcaster, and former radio astronomer. He is the author of Breakthrough: The Spectacle of Scientific Discovery His Story from the Higgs Boson to the Black Hole (Faber & Faber, 2021). Professor Andy Parker is a British physicist and professor of high-energy physics at the University of Cambridge. He is a member and chair of the CERN Science Policy Committee and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Future Circular Colliders, among other notable positions. Matthew McCullough is a theoretical physicist and researcher at CERN, focused on areas of interest including collisional physics, cosmology, astroparticle physics, and quantum field theory, involved in FCC feasibility studies.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Previewing the 2024 Early-Stage Agenda: Engine Accelerator, Y Combinator, Glasswing Ventures and Others Head to Boston – TechCrunch

TechCrunch Early Stage returns to Boston on April 25, 2024, and the agenda for our flagship Founders event is taking shape. We’re excited to give you a sneak peek at some of the amazing speakers and sessions we’ll be attending. For builders just starting their startup journey, TechCrunch Early Stage is the place to be.

With the help of a large body of leading investors and entrepreneurs, we take a deep dive into founder-focused topics such as:

  • How to use Startup Accelerator.
  • How to raise your first funding.
  • How to find product-market fit.
  • How to make a killer pitch deck.

But wait. In addition: Want to join us for more speakers and sessions announced in the new year? Apply for content by the January 10th deadline for a chance to win a roundtable slot on TechCrunch Early Stage there is.

Early Stage is different from other TechCrunch events. Instead of panel discussions or fireside chats, speakers present on their assigned topics and answer questions from the audience. If you’re building something and want access to the brains of top startups, we’re working around the clock to introduce them to you. As always, all attendees will receive a transcript and visual assets of the presentation so they can take away what they learned.

Also, if you’re a talkative type, you’ll enjoy roundtable discussions and lots of time interacting with other founders, builders, and investors.

You’ll have a lot of questions in the early stages, and we’re here to answer them. Please come to my favorite TechCrunch event in Boston on April 25th. It’s similar to Disrupt, but incredibly focused and much more intimate. See you soon!

TechCrunch 2024 Early Agenda Preview

Working hard for $1 million in ARR: Best practices for learning fast from your launch partner

and Rudina Cecelico-founder and managing partner, glasswing ventures

Once you secure a seed round, the race begins to prove product-market fit and grow your ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue). With the clock ticking, limited seed dollars, a difficult macroeconomic environment, and the bar rising to secure the next round, founders’ margin for error is slim and execution is critical. In this session, we’ll dive into the best practices for rapidly iterating on lessons learned from launch partners (such as early customers). Learn how to ask the right questions, get actionable answers, respond effectively, and avoid idleness at this critical juncture in your company’s growth.

Choosing the right accelerator or incubator

and emily knightpresident, engine accelerator

Incubators and accelerators often provide a support structure for early-stage startups. Founders transitioning from academia often seek assistance in defining the potential commercial viability of their research, so specific programs are often tailored to their unique needs. Founders from academia face unique challenges stemming from higher education and national research institutions. Choosing the right startup program can help young companies navigate the known hurdles of founding. Here’s what you need to know today.

5 ways to ruin your VC pitch and how to avoid it

and Haje Kampspitch coach, Kamps Consulting LLC

Whether you’re just staring at a blank slide deck or fine-tuning your pitch, this can’t-miss session will provide you with valuable insights and help you avoid some of the biggest pitfalls. Haje Kamps, TechCrunch’s friendly in-house pitch coach, writes his 75+ pitch deck deconstruction articles on TechCrunch+. He is a source of knowledge in the art of pitching early stage startups to venture capitalists. With Haje’s expertise in analyzing and enhancing pitch decks, this session promises to be a treasure trove of practical advice and strategies.

How to earn money and live

and Tom Bromfieldgroup partners, Y combinator

Raising money in the first round is tricky. Especially if you don’t want to look back years from now and regret your terms of service or side letters. In this session, Tom explains how investors think, common pitfalls that may come up later, and how to put your company in the strongest possible position to raise capital. After all, who would want to participate in his game of 2024 fundraising hanger with old information?

Early stage financing: convertible notes, SAFE, series seed financing

and rebecca lee whitingFounder and Fractional General Counsel, epigram legal

Learn from early-stage fractional general counsel about various financing mechanisms for early-stage companies, including convertible notes, simplified agreements for future equity (SAFE), and series seed financing rounds. This session will highlight the pros and cons of these alternatives, demystify standard terms, highlight potential pitfalls to avoid, and suggest key points to consider when negotiating.

TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 will be held in Boston on April 25th. Join other emerging founders and bring your questions, get answers directly from industry experts, and learn the next steps you need to take to build your startup. But if you buy your pass now, you’ll save at the launch price!

Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024? Contact our sponsorship sales team. Please fill out this form.

Source: techcrunch.com