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Bad Math Causes Explosion at CERN Collider

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the allright-which-of-you-got-the-A dept.

javipas writes "The Large Hadron Collider at the CERN has suffered a big explosion deep inside that has caused a leak of hellium gas and the quick evacuation of everyone working there. The reason: a mathematical mistake that affected the design of the giant superconductive magnets made by Fermilab. Now the company will have to repair and upgrade the 24 magnets that are installed on the 27 km. circunference of one of the most important research centers on Earth." This story might seem strangely familiar to you.

6 of 270 comments (clear)

  1. Forgetting... by mulvane · · Score: 5, Funny

    To carry the 1 can cost lives! I never believed it in elementary school when my teacher that math could affect my life, but damn, the stuff can kill you!!!! Treat math with respect!

    1. Re:Forgetting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      So THAT'S what happens when you divide by zero!

    2. Re:Forgetting... by tuba_ranger · · Score: 5, Funny

      Isn't this the plot behind Half-Life?

  2. Almost success! by AaxelB · · Score: 5, Funny

    The machine, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), aims to recreate the conditions of the Big Bang, when the universe is thought to have exploded into existence about 14 billion years ago.

    "There was a hell of a bang, the tunnel housing the machine filled with helium and dust and we had to call in the fire brigade to evacuate the place"

    Eh, sounds partially successful.
  3. They should have listened by aalu.paneer · · Score: 5, Funny

    Bush Finds Error In Fermilab Calculations

    --
    where did my sig go? where's my sig at?
  4. Re:DUPE by Walt+Dismal · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, a week ago the accident propelled the collider into the future, and that's why it's being reported today. Sheesh, do we have to explain **everything ** to ya?