CERN in Geneva what is the Organization for Nuclear Research

CERN in Geneva what is the Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland sightseeing, information, discoveries and interesting facts.

The European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, is a scientific research centre located on the border of Switzerland and France. At the heart of CERN is a particle accelerator known as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This facility is considered the largest and most precise machine ever built by humans.

CERN in Geneva Establishment of the European Organization for Nuclear Research

CERN in Geneva was established in response to the immense interest in nuclear energy and the entirely new branches of physics associated with it. The name CERN in Geneva originates from the Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire, its first name dating back to the early 1950s.

The agreement to establish the European Council for Nuclear Research, which preceded CERN, was signed in Paris in 1952. The council’s task was to prepare a plan and organize the construction of a large physics laboratory that would enable the study of laws related to nuclear energy. The council was dissolved two years later when the formal European Organization for Nuclear Research was established.

The founding members of the council were Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, West Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, and Italy. Two years later, the United Kingdom joined the initial group.

The first research instrument created within the newly formed CERN was the synchrocyclotron. This small accelerator accelerated particles to immense speeds at the time, allowing for an energy of 600 MeV (Megaelectronvolts, a unit of energy used in physics) to be achieved. With its help, neutral currents were observed in 1973, a discovery that helped initiate research into electromagnetism.

The next research instrument was the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) accelerator, allowing the acceleration of protons to enormous energies, reaching up to 300 GeV (Gigaelectronvolts). With subsequent improvements, this accelerator was able to accelerate particles to energies of 500 GeV after a few years. Over time, the SPS was converted into a proton-antiproton collider, which allowed the discovery of the W and Z bosons, previously only theorized.

Each of these discoveries marked a milestone in physics and heightened scientists’ appetite for further research.

In 1989, the Large Electron-Positron Collider (LEP) accelerator was launched. It proved the existence of new elementary particles that had previously only appeared in theoretical physics equations. At the same time, work began on the experimental AWAKE plasma accelerator, which was launched in 2016.

CERN in Geneva and the Large Hadron Collider

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which started operating in 2008, is capable of accelerating large beams of protons to previously unimaginable speeds, thereby achieving enormous energy. The tunnel housing the accelerator is 27 kilometres long and located approximately 100 meters below the Earth’s surface. Protons accelerated within it can traverse its length 11,000 times per second before they collide with each other.

To keep the particles on their designated path, chilled helium and powerful electromagnets are used, positioned along the entire length of the device. Each accelerator accelerates particles to tremendous speeds in two different directions, and then their paths intersect to cause a collision, so each accelerator is actually two identical devices in one.

The construction of the accelerator and the precision of its execution are impressive, but they pale in comparison to other devices involved in the research. After accelerating selected particles to speeds close to that of light, the particles’ paths are directed to a single point where a collision occurs.

Just imagine the amount of energy released during such a crash. In that split second, not only is enormous energy unleashed, but the laws of physics come into play, and particles whose existence was previously only speculative emerge.

To study what happens at the moment of collision of the accelerated particles, four gigantic detectors were built. The largest of them is as big as a residential block, and in 2012 contributed to the observation of almost mythical Higgs bosons. These are elementary particles predicted by British theoretical physicist Peter Higgs in 1964.

There has been a suggestion in the specialized Physics Letters journal that thanks to the Large Hadron Collider, hypotheses about the existence of parallel universes could be tested.

CERN in Geneva and the Higgs Boson and the Standard Model of modern physics

The proof of the existence of the Higgs boson has been recognized as one of the greatest discoveries in physics and science in general for several reasons. One of the most significant is that the existence of this specific particle allows for the completion of the most important theory in contemporary particle physics, known as the Standard Model.

The field of science called particle physics seeks answers to how matter is constructed at the most fundamental level and how the individual elements of matter interact with each other. Another goal of research in this branch of physics is to understand how the universe originated and why we and everything around us exist.

The existence of the Higgs boson was officially confirmed in 2013, and this particle was dubbed the “God Particle” because it is responsible for giving everything mass.

The Standard Model describes the existence of 12 elementary particles governed by four fundamental forces. Thanks to the Higgs boson, scientists hope that eventually a theory of everything will be formulated. This would be a single universal theory capable of explaining all aspects of physics and the laws governing them throughout the universe. Allegedly, the next step will be the formulation of theories about parallel worlds and alternative realities.

CERN in Geneva’s greatest achievements and plans for the future

Research conducted at CERN in Geneva has yielded many incredible discoveries not only in particle physics but also in various other scientific fields. Additionally, thanks to scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Geneva, we have gained a more in-depth understanding of how the universe operates and the laws that govern it.

One of the first successes attributed to the method of colliding particles was the discovery of neutral currents. They appeared in the Glashow-Weinberg-Salem theory formulated in 1960. After years of research and detailed analysis of data from accelerator experiments, the discovery of neutral currents was officially announced in 1973. For their research, the three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1984, and their electroweak theory now forms a central part of the description of nature’s forces in the Standard Model.

The year 1968 was pivotal in the development of electronic particle detectors. Georges Charpak received the Nobel Prize for his work on multiwire proportional and drift chambers.

In 1973, research at the ISR accelerator indicated that the size of protons increases with their energy. That same year, the bubble chamber provided one of the greatest physical discoveries at CERN; neutrinos can interact with other particles while retaining their original form. Interaction with neutral currents led to theories related to radiation and electromagnetism phenomena.

Another breakthrough came in 1978. After numerous experiments, it was found that the strength and precision of accelerated particles could be improved when the experimental environment was cooled.

The early 1980s primarily saw the approval for the construction of the 27 kilometre circumference ring of the Large Hadron Collider, followed by the discovery of the long-sought W and Z bosons, carriers of weak interactions.

CERN in Geneva and the Large Hadron Collider, humanity’s greatest scientific achievement

In 1989, the Large Hadron Collider began its operations, and almost immediately, scientists received evidence that matter consists only of three families of particles.

Another invention was a turning point in communication and nearly all aspects of our modern life. In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau from CERN proposed the development of a distributed information system. This system allowed information from multiple computers to be connected through a simple interface. Its initial name was the “World Wide Web” (WWW), giving birth to the internet as we know it today.

In 1995, an international team of scientists led by Walter Oelert successfully synthesized atoms of antimatter and antiparticles. This discovery opened up a new path for research into the antimatter world.

The year 2000 brought evidence of the existence of a new state of matter, approximately twenty times denser than nuclear matter, known as quark-gluon plasma. It is believed to have existed in nature a few microseconds after the Big Bang.

In 2001, CERN announced research results indicating a violation of symmetry in the universe, resulting in a dominance of matter over antimatter in nature. By 2002, CERN in Geneva was able to produce thousands of antihydrogen atoms without difficulty. The discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 was a breakthrough in many scientific studies and theories, requiring many to be rewritten.

In 2014, scientists at CERN in Geneva discovered two new particles from the baryon family, which may help explain the asymmetry between matter and antimatter.

CERN in Geneva and other scientific discoveries at the European Organization for Nuclear Research

The information mentioned above is just the tip of the iceberg of all the discoveries made at CERN since its inception. The amount of data acquired during experiments is so immense that it requires entire supercomputer systems and thousands of scientists from around the world working tirelessly day and night to analyse it.

So, what does all this mean for us ordinary people? Well, quite a lot. Thanks to the scientists at CERN, you can, for example, read this article. Moreover, research at CERN translates into numerous inventions that find applications in medicine, transportation, and space technologies. Other discoveries have significantly contributed to the development of superconductors, vacuum techniques, geodesy, and cryogenics. Of course, many devices in our homes also owe their existence to scientists at CERN.

It’s important to remember that before scientific discoveries yield tangible benefits in new technologies, many years may pass. Currently, CERN is working on various applications of specific scientific discoveries, one of which is the use of the accelerator to produce clean and safe nuclear energy.

CERN in Geneva visiting the European Organization for Nuclear Research

Right from the beginning, I must make you aware that there have been giant changes at CERN recently. The intensive expansion of the scientific facilities and the Science and Innovation Museum is ongoing, with construction work being carried out both on the surface and underground. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you can see everything you want during your planned visit.

CERN can be visited free of charge from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with exhibitions open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

The address of the European Organization for Nuclear Research is: 1, Esplanade des Particules, 1217 Meyrin, Switzerland.

Getting to CERN is effortless, and the city is well-connected. Due to the construction work that has turned the entire area into a large construction site, I suggest leaving your car, if you are travelling by car, in one of the city’s parking lots and taking one of the trams circulating to Jardin-Alpin-Vivarium to CERN every few minutes.

CERN in Geneva practical information helpful when visiting

If you’re staying in Geneva for a longer period, inquire at your hotel if you’re entitled to the Geneva Transport Card. This card allows you to travel for free around Geneva for the next day. You can collect such a card at the hotel, if it offers one, every day. This way, you’ll have all your transportation worries taken care of, and you can leave your car in the hotel car park for the duration of your stay in the city.

If your hotel doesn’t offer the Geneva Transport Card, you can purchase it from a machine at every stop. With this card, you’ll be able to move around the city and use municipal buses, trams, trains, and yellow water taxis for free.

The price of the Geneva Transport Card is approximately 9 Swiss francs (make sure to check the price beforehand, as prices nowadays are the least certain thing in the world :)). I recommend visiting the Geneva public transportation website, which is very user-friendly and will clear up any doubts you may have.

If you arrive in Geneva by plane, then the above card will be especially useful for you. Geneva Airport is only 4 kilometres from the city centre, and you can travel this distance by both train and bus. Then, in the city centre, you simply need to switch to a tram heading towards CERN, and you’ll be there.

Alright, you’ve made your way from the city centre to the CERN in Geneva facility, and you can start exploring. Personally, I recommend taking a guided tour, where you’ll learn about the history of this incredible place and the intricacies of the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

You can find all the information about current events, opening hours, and much more on the official CERN website, which I recommend visiting before your arrival.

Globe of Science and Innovation in CERN

The Globe of Science and Innovation is a visitor center aimed at informing guests about the important research conducted at the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

It is a wooden structure standing 27 meters tall and with a diameter of 40 meters, symbolizing the Earth. The building was constructed for Expo Neuchatel in Switzerland in 2002. After the exhibition ended, it was relocated near the headquarters of CERN in Geneva. Today, the museum exhibits tell the story of the building itself and describe the world of particles, of which everything, including ourselves, is made.

You will learn that the building was constructed using five types of wood: spruce, Scots pine, Douglas fir, larch, and Canadian maple. The exterior consists of wooden slats with two walkways attached for visitors to stroll along.

The interior of the wooden globe is designed to function as a large carbon dioxide absorber. This intriguing museum has been operational since 2004 and was opened on the 50th anniversary of the founding of CERN.

Globe of Science and Innovation at CERN, level one

On the first level inside the globe, there is an exhibition titled “The Particle Universe.” This area is divided into six sections. I particularly recommend the section titled “Mysterious Worlds,” where you’ll find answers to many questions about the universe that are being explored at CERN.

Other sections include “The Large Hadron Collider (LHC),” where you’ll find a map of the underground accelerators in operation and learn about the paths taken by accelerated particles. Another section is “Particle Detection,” which, in my opinion, is the heart of the exhibition. Here, you’ll find information on how particles are accelerated and how the events immediately following their collision are studied.

Another part of the exhibition is “Science Without Borders.” Here, you’ll see how one research area impacts another, and how these, in turn, affect our lives. You’ll find the first WWW server here, along with many interviews with scientists who discuss their research and how their findings have influenced the lives of ordinary people.

Globe of Science and Innovation at CERN, level two

On the second floor, accessed by one of the wooden ramps outside the globe, there is a giant space with a high ceiling. This area is used for meetings with famous individuals, conferences, banquets, or special events. I suggest checking before your visit if there is any important event you would like to attend. If you wish to participate in a meeting, you should register in advance through the CERN website, as the number of seats is limited. Most of the events organized here are usually free of charge.

Take note of the interesting sculpture standing in front of the entrance to the Globe of Science and Innovation at CERN. It’s a steel ribbon adorned with hundreds of inventions, mathematical and physical patterns that have changed the world around us over the centuries.

CERN and experimental areas

On the opposite side of the street, from the Globe of Science and Innovation, there is a part of the CERN facility intended for visitors who want to take part in a demonstration of how one of the devices located underground.

Essential information that you must remember:
Be sure to register in advance your willingness to take part in the trip to the experimental department at CERN! Otherwise, once you arrive, you will not have a chance to join any group. The number of people is strictly defined and closed!

You can make such reservations on the CERN in Geneva website, where you’ll be able to choose the exact date and time of your visit. Depending on the research being conducted on that day, you’ll have the opportunity to see various facilities. These are typically ATLAS, LEIR, PS, the Data Center, or SM18.

Perhaps you’ll be lucky, and during your visit, scientists will make a discovery that will change our world forever. Unfortunately, we didn’t have such luck.

The experience of visiting the research centre is incredible, and the sight of the enormous machines is awe-inspiring, especially when the guide emphasizes that all these massive machines are investigating something so small that it cannot be seen with the naked eye.

A tour of CERN in Geneva lasts about 2 hours and is possible for anyone above 12 years old. Unfortunately, visitors must be mobile due to the cramped conditions underground. Furthermore, remember that taking photos is not allowed in most areas.

Typically, guides are available in German, French, and English. However, if your group is large and consists of more than 30 people who speak another language, such as Polish, it’s possible to arrange for a guide who speaks that specific language. Of course, all arrangements should be made well in advance of your visit.

CERN in Geneva interesting facts and information

• Recently, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) announced plans to build a new particle accelerator. The new facility will be 100 kilometres long and cost 21 billion euros. It will be nearly four times larger than the Large Hadron Collider. Unfortunately, due to the immense costs and complexity of the project, construction will not begin before 2038.
• The accelerator complex at CERN is the largest and one of the most versatile in the world. It includes not only accelerators but also decelerators (devices that slow down particles), particle colliders, and various measuring instruments.
• CERN’s accelerators utilize beams of electrons, positrons, protons, antiprotons, as well as heavy ions.
• In 2016, near the statue of Shiva, a group of masked individuals performed a mysterious ritual during which a human sacrifice was purportedly made. Footage of this event circulated online and became a popular conspiracy theory about CERN scientists being associated with malevolent forces. Of course, the entire incident was a hoax.
• Other conspiracy theorists have found the number 666 hidden in the CERN logo, which is considered the number of the beast.
• CERN employs over, 2600 full-time staff, ranging from esteemed professors to cleaning crews.
• Each year, CERN hosts over 700 fellows, whose stipends are paid by the organization, as well as several hundred highly talented students, also funded by CERN.
• Nearly 8,000 external users work for CERN, representing hundreds of universities from over 80 countries, with over half of them always coming from member states.
• CERN’s budget amounts to millions of Swiss francs and comes from membership contributions calculated as a percentage of the gross national income for each country.
• CERN’s primary tasks include scientific research, the pursuit of new technologies, education, and international collaboration.

Polish version