Despite my total lack of ability for algebra and other advanced math, I find theoretical physics fasinating. Science has always had that double edged angle, a lot of the time it just depends on how its used. But I understand the wisdom of just because you can does not mean you should. Even though its sci-fi the idea behind the mass effect tech in the Mass Effect games is based around some aspects of the Higg particle theory. Manipulating the mass of objects great and small for everything from faster than light travel to artificial gravity. Who knows what the real world implications could be for such knowledge. At the very least it will give us a better understanding of how the universe works.
The God Particle
On 03/24/2013 at 04:13 PM by smartcelt See More From This User » |
The God Particle is also known as Higgs boson or the Higgs particle. Theorized back in 1964 it was only recently [and tentatively] confirmed to exist on March 14,2013. I saw a little blurb about it in the newspaper the week it was discovered. It has fascinated me and got me a bit curious. The Standard Model is a framework believed to explain everything we see,other than gravity. The existence of the Higgs boson proves the Standard Model is correct.
Higgs particles can be produced in a particle collider like the Large Hadron Collider. Some of you might remember the hub-bub that arose upon it's construction. Some feared that to fire it up would create a black hole that would suck everything within hundreds of miles into it! Fortunately for us that didn't happen. What did happen is the discovery of Higgs boson. People outside the scientific community called it "The God Particle" because they feel it will help us understand the origins of the universe. Scientists revile the term saying it has nothing to do with God. Right there is where matters get complicated.
Which brings me to why I wrote this blog. Did not mean to bore you to death or get too technical here. The science surrounding Higgs boson is a bit over my head,I'm not a physicist. But the implications are astounding. Most major advances in science and technology start much this way. The real world applications of this knowledge are unknown,yet to be seen. But many things we now take for granted began in a similar fashion. Calling it the God Particle is highly offensive to some people. It brings religion into a discussion where it need not be. God's role in the creation of the world is not demeaned by this I feel. Or even questioned,for that matter. Some folks talk about Big Bang Theory but cannot explain it to anyone. I love the TV show,btw,but I am clueless as to the validity of the theory! Only time will tell if the Higgs boson unlocks the answers to so many unanswered questions we all have about our world and how it is constructed.
It amazes me how rapidly science is advancing. It is breathtaking and sometimes a bit scary. When technology advances so quickly we barely have time to grasp what it means to us. My question is an age old one. Should we not think about if we "should" do something as well as if "we can" do it? Did people learn nothing from watching Jurassic Park? The dinosaurs will eat you! You are food to them! What do you think of this discovery? Does it strike you as a big one or not so much.
What I'm listening to today.........
This is one of his later songs. Most people only know him from the song Cars.
This is the original version from the album. Features Michael Schenker on lead guitar.
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