Scientists at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, are moving forward with plans to build a larger and more powerful particle collider called the Future Circular Collider. The estimated cost is 15 billion Swiss francs, and the project is hoped to start operating by 2040. Despite being a feasibility study at this stage, there are no technical obstacles so far. The proposed collider is seen as a tool to improve understanding of fundamental physics and could drive innovation in various technologies. However, the specific science that the collider could generate is still uncertain.
CERN’s current Large Hadron Collider confirmed the existence of the subatomic Higgs boson in 2012. The new collider would have a 91-kilometer loop and aim to achieve particle collisions with energy levels of 100 trillion electron volts, significantly higher than the current collider. The focus is on advancing fundamental physics and potentially unlocking more mysteries of the universe.
While the project is primarily supported by European and Western countries, there is optimism among CERN leaders about the progress of the Future Circular Collider. Despite the lack of clear theoretical guidance on what to look for, the potential societal benefits of the technology and innovation associated with the collider are emphasized. Overall, the project represents a significant step forward in scientific research and exploration of the universe’s fundamental principles.
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