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What if the people who run the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) threw a party, and no particles came?

That’s what  is set to happen on October 21, when CERN plans an inauguration ceremony for the supercollider. After a much-ballyhooed first proton beam run on September 10, the LHC won’t actually be operational until next year, thanks to a few early mishaps. Not exactly the results LHC operators were hoping for – but why let a little thing like failure get in the way of celebrating?

A press release announcing the ceremony stressed the positive:

“It’s remarkable how quickly the LHC went through its paces on 10 September,” LHC project leader Lyn Evans said, “and testimony to the rigorous preparation that has gone into building and commissioning the LHC.”

It also acknowledged “the current situation.”

“CERN personnel and colleagues from around the world have reacted to the current situation with their customary professionalism and determination,” said CERN Director General Robert Aymar. “While the timing is undoubtedly a disappointment, a few extra weeks on a project that has been over two decades in the making is not very much. It is simply a fact of life in experimental physics at the frontiers of knowledge and technology.”

Even without any newfound particles, there is still something for LHC proponents to cheer about. Last week, a judge threw out a case brought by someone who wanted to keep the LHC off for good.

The  upcoming bash will feature photos by National Geographic’s Frans Lanting, and the music of Philip Glass, performed by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Invitation-only guests will then enjoy “a buffet of molecular gastronomy.” Maybe the molecular gastronomy will include pizza.

Good to know there will be a return on the $8 billion the world has splurged on the LHC.

3 Comments

1. 1. SkiveHard3: SkiveHard with a Vengeance 07:39 AM 10/4/08

   Sounds like someone didn't get an invite. By the way, you know how you suggest that the party is getting paid for by the tax payer? Nope. Its paid for by these sponsors:
   
   http://lhc2008.web.cern.ch/LHC2008/sponsors/index.html
   
   Incidentally, took me about 30 seconds to find that out. Theres this marvelous thing called "google", you should really try it.

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2. 2. SpringConstant in reply to SkiveHard3: SkiveHard with a Vengeance 07:43 PM 10/4/08

   Ouch.
   
   I don't think that Mr Oransky ever said it was directly paid for by the tax payer (which country's would that be? It's a global collaboration), however take a look at the sponsors listed: Xerox, IBM, Intel, Peugeot... These are brands we all use.
   
   Well, maybe not ALL of us.
   
   Maybe you've never flown Air Liquide or driven a Peugeot. Maybe your PC isn't powered by an Intel CPU.
   
   That's fine.
   
   However, I must remind you that many people out there use brands such as these, and I think this is the article's point: Most people use these brands, so in effect we are all paying for the LHC's party.
   
   Where do you think these sponsors get all that lovely money from?
   

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3. 3. vcuauhtemoc in reply to SpringConstant 07:36 PM 10/5/08

   Haha, you act as if these companies are obligated to give something back to the customer other than what they paid for!

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