Durham University scientists back on big bang track

Nov 2 2009 by Vicky Robson, The Journal

NORTH East scientists are back on track to discover the secrets of the universe after an explosion forced them to postpone a major experiment using a revolutionary “time” machine.

Professors from Durham University are among an international team of experts eagerly awaiting the results of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), known as the “tunnel to the beginning of time”, when it is fired up next month.

The LHC has taken 20 years to construct in Switzerland and aims to give researchers answers about the material make-up of the universe now that essential repair work has been completed.

The giant machine, which measures 27km around and is buried 100m underground, will create the same conditions that happened one billionth of a second after the Big Bang.

Its groundbreaking experiment will work by circulating particles that are then accelerated to almost the speed of light, before they are smashed into with each other.

Around 60 scientists and students from The Institute of Particle Physics Phenomenology at Durham University are part of the team, along with other international experts, that will use the machine to gain insights into the origins of existence. Professor Nigel Glover of Durham University is one of the scientists who will be analysing the data.

He said: “For me, this is the most exciting time in my career. We will not get right back to the beginning of the universe but we will get a lot closer.