Scientists are getting closer and closer to the discovery of the elusive Higgs boson, a particle that should exist according to theory. While previous measurements on collisions in the Large Hadron Collider showed ever-increasing hints pointing at the existence of the Higgs boson, CERN now claims to have found its actual 'footprints', although this does not directly prove the particle exists.
Update 04/07: CERN has elaborated on their findings, and state that they have indeed found a new particle.
Hints
Although full details are not provided yet, measurements from LHC data shows something that is consistent with the predicted characteristics of the Higgs boson. In vague terms, CERN described that it looks like they have discovered something. Though the exact finding will be presented soon, it leaves us asking exactly how concrete their evidence is. Update 04/07: In a presentation of their findings, CERN stated they definitely found a new particle, and it is very likely that this is in fact the Higgs boson. It looks like the elusive 'god particle' has finally been found.
Specifications
According to CERN sources, the Higgs boson supposedly has an energy level of 125GeV, which is consistent with earlier findings. Coincidently, American researchers working on the Tevatron accelerator from Fermi Labs, which has now shut down, have also released their latest data regarding a possible Higgs discovery. They indicate that the so-called god particle should, if it exists, have an energy level between 115 and 135 GeV, which is consistent with the LHC findings.
Outlook
Although we have not officially found the Higgs boson yet, evidence for its existence is piling up. And CERN may just have found the most concrete evidence to date. Should we be able to find the particle, it will definitely be a triumph for physics, and a justification for all the billions of dollars that were spent on the project. The Higgs boson is supposed to explain, to put it simply, why other particles, such as protons and neutrons have mass.
Update 04/07: CERN has elaborated on their findings, and state that they have indeed found a new particle.
Hints
Although full details are not provided yet, measurements from LHC data shows something that is consistent with the predicted characteristics of the Higgs boson. In vague terms, CERN described that it looks like they have discovered something. Though the exact finding will be presented soon, it leaves us asking exactly how concrete their evidence is. Update 04/07: In a presentation of their findings, CERN stated they definitely found a new particle, and it is very likely that this is in fact the Higgs boson. It looks like the elusive 'god particle' has finally been found.
Specifications
According to CERN sources, the Higgs boson supposedly has an energy level of 125GeV, which is consistent with earlier findings. Coincidently, American researchers working on the Tevatron accelerator from Fermi Labs, which has now shut down, have also released their latest data regarding a possible Higgs discovery. They indicate that the so-called god particle should, if it exists, have an energy level between 115 and 135 GeV, which is consistent with the LHC findings.
Outlook
Although we have not officially found the Higgs boson yet, evidence for its existence is piling up. And CERN may just have found the most concrete evidence to date. Should we be able to find the particle, it will definitely be a triumph for physics, and a justification for all the billions of dollars that were spent on the project. The Higgs boson is supposed to explain, to put it simply, why other particles, such as protons and neutrons have mass.
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| A graphical interpretation of the interactions of the proposed Higgs boson with other particles. It is in fact more complex than most of us will ever be able to grasp. |
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