Tenth of September 2008 — The End of the World?
August 17, 2008
Finally it’s here. Well, just about.
On the tenth of September next month, the Large Hadron Collider will finally (possibly!) get kickstarted, booted up — or whatever the hell it is they have to do to get a collider doing what it’s supposed to do.
“This major milestone in the LHC project will be covered live by international broadcasters. UK media organisations will be at CERN and at a simultaneous media event in London.
“CERN will webcast the startup (the link is on the CERN “first beam” page).” — for more see here.
Now that has to be worth watching. Why? Well, if some people are to be believed, the work of the Large Hadron Collider could in effect cause the end of the world/universe. Mini black holes may be created (fact) and they will grow and grow and grow, just like Alice, until we are all gobbled up (not fact.)
What LHC will largely be doing, in fact, is smashing together tiny particles called protons. When these particles collide, new particles are created. The scientists working at LHC are hoping to find a new particle called the Higgs. In short, the LHC will be asking some of the big questions about the universe, such as:
“How did our universe come to be the way it is?
“The Universe started with a Big Bang – but we don’t fully understand how or why it developed the way it did. The LHC will let us see how matter behaved a tiny fraction of a second after the Big Bang. Researchers have some ideas of what to expect – but also expect the unexpected!
“What kind of Universe do we live in?
“Many physicists think the Universe has more dimensions than the four (space and time) we are aware of. Will the LHC bring us evidence of new dimensions?
“Gravity does not fit comfortably into the current descriptions of forces used by physicists. It is also very much weaker than the other forces. One explanation for this may be that our Universe is part of a larger multi dimensional reality and that gravity can leak into other dimensions, making it appear weaker. The LHC may allow us to see evidence of these extra dimensions – for example, the production of mini-black holes which blink into and out of existence in a tiny fraction of a second.” – for more see here.
So make a date to be here at 8: 30 a.m. UK time on the 10th of September 2008. It should make for interesting viewing. I can’t wait to see the black hole gobbling up downtown Geneva!
(EDIT: Get Your End of the World T-Shirts Here!)
(EDIT: Important update here. READ THIS, PLEASE!!!)
(EDIT: Possibly of further interest.)
(EDIT: Another important update here. READ THIS, PLEASE!!!)
August 17, 2008 at 10:53
CERN are going to essentially play god. how frickin’ cool is that?!
August 17, 2008 at 14:24
[...] the end of the world approaching? Will we all be gobbled up by black holes, or something? Read Tenth of September 2008 — The End of the World?, by Gary Murning to find out (I hope he doesn’t think I’m Annie Wilkes in [...]
August 17, 2008 at 16:12
Shhhh! Don’t use the G-word! It’ll only prompt my more religious readers to say, “Well, if CERN can play God, why can’t God?” LOL
It is cool, though. The beginning of the universe and possibly the end, all in one experiment! You’ve got to admire that!
August 17, 2008 at 19:49
Why is it that I’m strangely excited by the possibility (albeit an unlikely possibility, and one more akin to a Roland Emmerich film than real life) that the experiment will go tits up and the world will get sucked into a vortex of destruction like something out of ‘The Great Day Of His Wrath’ by John Martin? What’s wrong with me?
Nice blog, though. I’m all excited now, and that doesn’t happen all too often!
August 18, 2008 at 09:00
It is an oddly exciting possibility, I must admit. Not sure why, exactly, but maybe it’s that thing of wanting to go out with a bang (nudge nudge, wink wink.) At heart, we all want to get sucked into a huge vortex. Ahem.
August 18, 2008 at 10:15
Collissions scheduled to begin October 21 at slowly increasing energies, but some estimates are that collisions may be delayed until 2009.
The risk of danger is high as revealed by nuclear physicist Walter L. Wagner who is notably suing for confirmed proof of reasonable safety. Professor Dr. Otto E. Rossler’s theories of danger and plea to the world for an emergency safety meeting should be addressed.
“A nightmarish situation, that can still be hoped to be averted in time through communication within the scientific community, is drawn attention to. Only a few weeks remain to find out whether the danger is real or nothing but a mirage. After this time window is closed, it will take years until we know whether or not we are doomed. The story line has all the features of a best-selling novel. The reader is asked to contribute constructively.”
Quote from Dr. Otto E. Rossler, a modern day Leonardo Devinche, Professor of Theoretical Biochemistry, visiting Professor of Theoretical Physics, inventor of the Rossler Attractor, founder of Endophysics, winner of the 2003 Chaos Award of the University of Liege and the 2003 Rene Descartes Award, contributor to hyper chaos, micro relativity and author of approximately 300 scientific papers.
Professor Rosslers latest interview with Alan Gillis may be found at scientificblogging.com
August 18, 2008 at 10:23
Thanks for the update regarding collisions, Jim.
As far as Dr. Otto E. Rossler is concerned, however, it is my understanding that his warnings are based on, in part, one of his own theorems which has recently been mathematically disapproved — as well as being founded in quite significant misconceptions of the general theory of relativity.
I’m not unduly worried about the experiment. My bet still stands.
August 19, 2008 at 15:52
I thought the ED spoof was genius – they called it the Large Hardon Collider. Childish humour at its finest…
August 19, 2008 at 16:08
There’s nothing like a little childish humour — especially in a situation where so many people seem to be shitting themselves unnecessarily. I’ve just found another “we’re all going to die!” comment in spam and, oops, accidentally deleted it. It was rather too promotional, self-serving and predictable to be deserving of space on my humble blog, anyway. On the one hand they tell you that scientists can’t be trusted where the safety of mankind is concerned and then they support their arguments against the LHC by doing what? Yup, they quote scientists.
If I’m wrong, mind, at least they won’t have the chance to say “I told you so”!
Not that I’m ever wrong, of course
August 25, 2008 at 00:39
Oh man. Every time science is on the verge of a major breakthrough, some people find a reason to shit themselves.
Here’s a question for them: if high energy collisions between nuclear particles will cause a black hole that destroys the universe, and such collisions happen by the thousands every second inside stars (and they do), why is there a universe at all?
Something to think about.
August 25, 2008 at 09:03
Excellent point, soulbiscuit… These collisions do have the potential to cause mini-black holes — but they would collapse within a fraction of a second, nanoseconds, I guess.
August 31, 2008 at 20:04
black holes never collapse, i am afraid, they lie in wait and will grow, as Humungus said, nature is for us all to love, not for us to mess with
September 1, 2008 at 08:50
Okay, so maybe “collapse” isn’t quite the right word. The mini-black holes are, however, expected to decay due to Hawking radiation.
As for not messing with nature, I suggest you remember that the next time you need antibiotics, the next time you turn on a light — or, for that matter, the next time you use your computer.
September 1, 2008 at 23:38
i hope they go to hell if we die, god didnt put us here to do this.
September 2, 2008 at 08:56
*Yawn* God didn’t put us here full-stop.
September 2, 2008 at 16:01
Maybe Mr.Murning but surely you must agree that tact and caution should be at the forefront of these peoples minds. I’m as hopeful as the next man to what we can achieve but now that the beast has been built do we really need to rush into anything? A scientific council should come together and debate thier little hearts outs to come to an conclusive agreement as to the way forward as the scientific community does appear to be worryingly split atm. But hell, if we do all go down the plug it will be Marius 1 – Taxman 0
September 2, 2008 at 16:13
Hi Marius,
Call me Gary, please.
Well to agree with that would be to suggest that I believe “these people” are proceeding without tact and caution — and I don’t think that way at all.
As for the split in the scientific community, from what I’ve seen of it it is relatively insignificant and fairly typical of the badly researched scaremongering we always see when such projects begin. I’m not unduly worried. If other people are, that’s their prerogative — and it’s generating some huge hits for me, anyway, so I’m not really inclined to complain
Now might be a good time to consider paying your taxes, mate
September 2, 2008 at 22:42
this is nuts my son came home from school and asked is the world going to end next week!? Looked it up and here it is!
OMG lol if only!!! only good thing here would be (like Marius says) TAXMAN Nil!!!!
September 3, 2008 at 08:59
You are quite right, it is nuts. This kind of unnecessary panic/scaremongering happens just about every time a new collider goes online or a significant piece of science is done.
Tell your son we’ll be here a while longer yet
September 3, 2008 at 22:14
When I read about all this i can’t help thinking of the Manhattan project, and the first test of the “atom bomb”, was believed and worried about by everyone, becuase it might set fire to the atmoshpere! This it did not, but still created something that can kill millions of people in the process. and this was considered a good thing!
But correct me if I am wrong but isn’t that a similar idea to the LHC . Fission or fusion of particles? releasing massive amounts of energy. This brings me to my point. not being a physics mastermind but relying on solid GSCE science. A woman stands on your hand with bare feet. it does not hurt. the same woman stands on you hand in high heals. Apart from being slightly turned on. IT HURTS. So in conclusion. Given that the enegry created will be massivly bigger than that of a nuclear reaction (up to 5 TeV per CERN website) in a restricted area, i.e. the accelerator. seems like a big high healed woman to me. We might not get black holes. but we might get something else that proves to be ” a really good idea!!!!” just IMHO
September 4, 2008 at 09:16
Firewulff: I can only admire someone who can draw such fascinating analogies!
I will now have the image of a woman in high heels in my head every time I think of the LHC! Thank you!
I think comparing the LHC to the Manhattan project is pushing it a little too far, however. I do understand what you’re saying. But dealing with these levels of energy in this kind of environment is very different to nuclear fusion/fission, as far as I can see (and, yes, I admit I’m not a physics mastermind, either.) Other accelerators/colliders have also dealt with massive amounts of energy — admittedly nowhere near this, as far as I know, but still considerable — with no problems reported.
Now, could you tell me more about this woman in high heels?
September 4, 2008 at 15:37
If the black hole “sucks” everything up where would it all go?
September 4, 2008 at 16:24
Clacton-on-Sea?
Seriously, though, this might help you understand black holes a little more.
September 4, 2008 at 18:02
Gary you are doing a great job of keeping people thinking along the right lines and it has definatly worked for me!! But there is a part of me which can’t help but think, after reading all the believers, that they might be true and it slightly worries me. My friends were at the playing fields the other day when 3 old people stood in the middle, holding hands in a circle. We went up to them and asked what they were doing and they said. The world is coming to and end and we are praying for the protection and all the people who live here!! I was freaked out! :S
September 4, 2008 at 18:09
That’s very kind of you to say so. I just hope I’ve managed to put a few people’s minds at ease.
I do know what you mean, though. I was just saying to a friend on another thread that whilst I’m not in the least bit superstitious, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed too! LOL. It was a joke, of course, but it certainly is hard not to get drawn into the hysteria, however rational our approach to life.
Keep resisting, my friend!
September 4, 2008 at 18:24
No I meant you are doing a great job helping people like me who do worry about things like this. Although I don’t want to believe it, Im afraid that if I don’t then it will happen..I am superstitious like that !! I will try to forget about it and hopefully the time will pass!!! Good luck everyone!! hehe
September 4, 2008 at 19:48
WHY ARE U LYING ABOUT THIS
IS IT ALL AN EVIL PLOY 2 SELL THEM DAM T SHIRTS!@
HUH IM ON2 U PUNK!
September 4, 2008 at 20:46
Intelligent though your arguments are, I’m still believing the world will, indeed, come to an end on September 10th. All of my peers are in a state of hysteria over this; a little over the top. It is highly likely that this machine will create small black holes; many scoff and say they will simply ‘decay’ or ‘collapse’ in seconds, but that is not the way a black hole functions. A vast percentage of black holes grow continuously.
I say this is messing with nature..what’s more important, scientific research to find things out or the whole planet’s welfare? I must say, I’m very scared about this whole thing…still. We still have a few days. =/
September 4, 2008 at 21:52
Right now I’m kind of scared because my family are catholics and we learn everything in the word of god, so I cant help but think science is wrong, this is what greed of knowledge is getting us – death. But you’re putting my mind at ease with this scientific mumbo jumbo, g/j ;D
September 4, 2008 at 21:57
i think this hole thing is absolutely stupid what LHC are doing, there playing with so many peoples lives, the lives of children and babies.
i think the should leave the planet alone.
September 5, 2008 at 09:13
sjh7: I see… like it’s always the shark you don’t see that gets you, right?
BIG FAT HOMO: busted, dude.
Graz: we aren’t scoffing when we say that mini-black-holes will decay; due to the effects of Hawking radiation and because of their extremely small mass it is strongly suggested that they would undergo runaway evaporation and disappear in a burst of radiation. This would happen so quickly, I believe, that only the radiation would be detectable.
Actually, even if I’m wrong and all the scientists involved are wrong — we have more than a few days, since the real serious work doesn’t begin until about October 21 as jtankers points out
… Seriously, though in answer to your question what is more important, scientific research or the planet’s welfare? I’d have to say they are both extremely important, and not mutually exclusive. We can research in these areas without there being any planet-threatening risk, and that is exactly what we are doing.
Shaun: LOL… mumbo-jumbo, eh? Yes, it must seem like that at times, I’m sure. Be sure to drop back in a couple of months time, though, so we can discuss “science as mumbo-jumbo” in a little more detail, yes?
nkh: you are entitled to your opinion. Your conclusions, however, seem to be founded on a distinct lack of knowledge on the subject. Go away and read up on it a bit more, study it, learn a little of the science behind it and you’d see, as I do, that this is not a threat.
September 5, 2008 at 10:45
Lots of people throwing god into the mix here.
If there is a god, and i really doubt there is, it would probably step in if we’re about to wipe out the whole world, if not the whole solar system.
if not god, then the aliens that have been watching us might be good enough to step in and stop us.
/looks suspiciously to the sky and puts tinfoil hat on
on the off chance that something dramatic does happen heres my plan
i dont know why everyone is worrying though, im looking for the silver lining
http://nodnodwinkwink.blogspot.com/2008/09/cern-and-end-of-world.html
September 5, 2008 at 14:02
I used the end of the world as a pretext to call many people to tell how important the are for me… But am a little scared, because anything could be wrong with this experiment… This guys are nobel laureated, ok… but they`re people. I wish nothing will happend, but i`m scared and funny and a lot of things at the same time.
I want to believe you when you said we won’t die.
But, nobody can play to be god an have an entire planet luck in his nobeled hands
September 5, 2008 at 14:55
who really knows for sure what will happen? science has been wrong before. let sleeping dogs lie! what are they going to get out of it in the end anyway? piece of mind that there are different dimensions? i wouldnt say it was worth risking
September 5, 2008 at 16:41
Baron Von Kerplunk: possibly the most refreshing comment I’ve had in days — which just goes to show how bad it’s getting LOL. Good luck with the plan
Julibelula: I’m not really sure what else I can say on the subject other than to repeat, this is not a global threat. The fear and hysteria we are witnessing is not prompted by a genuine perceived problem with the project. It is purely founded in a lack of understanding of the science behind it.
Scotty: without wishing to be disrespectful, that is possibly one of the most depressing comments I’ve read in a good while. What are we going to get out of this? This is possibly the greatest scientific search ever, the particle they are looking for is considered so important that it’s been nicknamed the God particle. If this were a case of taking foolhardy chances in order to acquire knowledge, I would agree with you — but the only people expressing concern are those who simply don’t understand the science.
I repeat: we are not going to die as a result of this experiment.
ANNOUNCEMENT: after much consideration, I’ve decided to close comments on this post. I’ve tried to allow all the various points, such as they are, to be made and feel that there is nothing more that I or anyone else can really add to the subject here. Frankly, it’s starting to take up rather too much of my time. If you want to know more about the LHC, please follow the various links I’ve included in this and other posts. If you are concerned that our time is over, try not to get too stressed. It isn’t going to happen. Pay your taxes, continue living your life as you normally would — and remember to watch the skies for divebombing UFOs, because you’re far more likely to get hit by one of those than die as a result of anything that happens at the LHC
And if I’m wrong and the world does end… sue me
September 5, 2008 at 17:05
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