Wednesday, 10 September 2008

The end of the world? Or at least France

Day 1.
Today at CERN, the world's largest particle accelerator started up, Scientists start up particle-smasher

It didn't cause the end of the world (or if it did no-one noticed), and is instead trying to find the existence of new forms of matter; using the tried and try technique of smashing things together at high speeds.
Much like a demolition derby, but with smaller cars and a bigger arena.

In this article Kiwi with his finger on the Big Bang Button our famous Kiwi is quoted as saying,
"We have been shown to meet all safety standards. In terms of the black-hole scenario, LHC is safe."

The black-hole scenario?!

I don't know about you but that statement makes me more worried than some assumed apocalypse from an oversized science lab.

I mean, really what is the scenario for a black hole?

Scenario 8.1 Black-Holes
Description: [EVENT: APOCALYPSE] The event the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) causes the spontaneous creation of a black-hole, or holes. Shortly after (ie. immediately) the intensive gravitational field sucks all matter into said black-hole, causing the end of the world. And the solar system.
Risk: Low, but honestly we don't know since no-one has ever made a black hole before.
Person Responsible: John. Yeah, definitely John.
Mitigation: Unknown, but options may be -
i. Pray to God (possible conflict of interest)
ii. Stop, Drop and Roll
iii. Fire extinguisher
iv. Time Machine (to be designed)
v. Evacuate to Alpha Centarii (undergoing budgetary constraints)
vi. Chuck Norris
Note: At all times act positive for the media; and Chuck Norris.

Valuable scientific work, yes. Crazy? Also yes.
It leads me to the following statement:
Science is about hypotheses and testing. If you want absolutes, look elsewhere.

"Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?"
Job 38:4-7

"And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day."
Genesis Ch1:4