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What Are Must-Sees For Open Day At the LHC?

Posted by kdawson on from the don't-miss-the-hadrons dept.

ribasushi writes "The last open day at the Large Hadron Collider is one week away. While I have a solid chance to go, I am dumbstruck by the insane amount of things to see during the 10 hours of the event. Since I do not know all that much about physics, I am turning to the knowledgeable crowd here at Slashdot — what do you think are the most awesome 5 must-see things on the agenda next Sunday?"

5 of 210 comments (clear)

  1. Appreciation by Jane+Q.+Public · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I think the most valuable "things" you could see on your visit would be 5 physicists who actually do know enough about the subject to appreciate it, and who could maybe pass a smattering of that knowledge and appreciation on to you. Do not misunderstand me... the fact that you asked at all demonstrates that you value the experience and do not take it lightly. I know people who would give a lot to see what you will see.

    1. Re:Appreciation by EEDAm · · Score: 5, Insightful

      You are right that five physicists who actually know enough about the subject would be an awesome find. But since the poster is asking for guidance on what to see I suspect what would be even more awesome for them is a technically very able physicist who can translate their knowledge into plain english. If there is one thing that would spread the influence of science more than today, it is that rare ability to make it understandable to the general populace.

  2. Re:Black Holes by arth1 · · Score: 1, Insightful

    The whole reason they're called "black holes" is because they're invisible. You can only observe them by the effect they have on their surroundings, outside the event horizon.

    I suspect that for most people, there isn't anything of interest to see at the LHC. Miles of corridors, rather non-impressive machinery, and a bunch of workstations. The receptionist might be the most spectacular sight. The results from the LHC will be interesting, but those you don't have to go to the site to see.

  3. Comment thread for nerds. Some stuff matters. by gilgoomesh · · Score: 2, Insightful

    How sad that someone asks a questions about one of the coolest science projects in the world and the Slashdot community only wants to vote up the "Funny" replies. Poor form. Stop being so guarded and show us your geek. Seriously, how could you miss: "The levitating scooter, which will take volunteers for a ride suspended in the air" http://lhc2008.web.cern.ch/LHC2008/OpenDaysE/super.html

  4. Re:Obligatory by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Hot female scientists!