Next Month Is The End Of The World

Well, maybe.

New York Times article: Asking a Judge to Save the World, and Maybe a Whole Lot More

Long story short; the world's largest proton accelerator is set to go online next month. Some fear the colliding protons could open black holes which could do anything from destroy the earth, to destroy our atmosphere, which would basically kill us all, too.

These people are in a minority, but there are enough of them to make the news.

Do the research for yourself. It is an interesting topic that just may affect your life. But I sure hope not! :P

Questions for dialogue:

1) When it comes to massive-scale scientific endeavours that could, potentially, affect the entire world, who should get the final 'say' on if they should be allowed or not?

2) What are your personal feelings about this imminent experiment?

I like how they spent 14 years and 8 billion and the dont even know what the HELL its gonna do when they turn it on!!!!!!!


GOD I love the USA

I am not sure what to think about it.

I know its totally Fictional, but after reading Angels and Demons it does kind of worry me a little. However I don't let it scare me, its completely out of my control.

An Indian woman committed suicide because of it.

It is frightening to think how this could play out..

I di have that thought in the back of my mind about what would happen but im not too worried about it yet.

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Originally Posted by NightLad

Questions for dialogue:

1) When it comes to massive-scale scientific endeavours that could, potentially, affect the entire world, who should get the final 'say' on if they should be allowed or not?

2) What are your personal feelings about this imminent experiment?

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1) This is a really tough question. I don't think hysterical people who don't really know what they're talking about should be allowed to shut down scientific experiments. However...if the fate of the entire world is truly at risk, certainly governments should be allowed to step in and shut it down. But who in "government" knows enough about such advanced theories to give a pass or fail to such a request? And which "government" should have a say? The country that it is being hosted in? Or any country, because it's the entire world potentially "on the line" with some massive scale experiment?

2) My personal feelings, based on what little I've read on this project....sounds kind of scary to me. Not that I'm afraid of the entire world getting sucked into a pinhole sized black hole....but I sure wouldn't want to live anywhere within 100 miles of that thing when it is being used (really big booms come to mind). As for the "fate of the world" fears....my comfort lies in my faith that the God who created this world will not allow it to be destroyed until He is ready. And when He is ready, then nothing man does or doesn't do is going to make one whit of difference.

I'm not worried at all.
and of course I hope they discover some really cool stuff!

I've been following that for a while now because my roomie is a science geek. They actually started it up this morning and had success with whatever it was they were trying to do. However, they don't perform their "big" experiment until October 21, 2008. The theory of black holes is just silly. From what I've been reading about it, the worst that could happen would be that some sort of beam of energy might break loose from the machine, but because it is underground would be lost in the rocks with no ill effect. This project has been in the making for a LONG time, with scientists from all over the world collaborating on it. I'm sure that if they thought there was any real danger, they would stop and recalibrate or reevaluate. Whichever. :P

Personally, however, I don't feel that we should be doing this. I don't agree with most of what goes on in the field of science today, really. It makes me nervous and uncomfortable. Heart transplants and things like that seem so unnatural to me. However, I'm sure that if I was faced with the decision myself, I would consider it. I just don't see how it could be so important to know so much about the big bang theory that we need to recreate it. I think people should stop worrying so much about space and realize that we are here and now, and we should take care of our own planet before trying to figure out how to get to others. :rolleyes:

Its rather interesting to say the least..


and... i couldnt help myself


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGqroT1FZ5Y

Bring it ON!:gj:

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Originally Posted by Mindibun

They actually started it up this morning and had success with whatever it was they were trying to do. However, they don't perform their "big" experiment until October 21, 2008

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What?!?! So possibly the end of the world could happen on my Brithday! :( Trust my luck...

They tested it by sending a beam around their little circle. I believe in Decemeber they will actually make the beams collide and hope to map and learn about the process and effects of the big bang.


It's on an extremely small scale, I dont see how it's going to create a huge black hole.

Sorry Double post.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

I like how they spent 14 years and 8 billion and the dont even know what the HELL its gonna do when they turn it on!!!!!!!


GOD I love the USA

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Hes got the best answer:rolleye2:

understanding quantum physics is an incredibly important endeavor IMO.

new dimensions
time travel
teleportation
conversion of mass to energy and energy to mass
designer atoms with totally new properties

:banana:

sure, I read a lot of comic books but I know just enough about physics to know the potential applications are vast

oh, and a black hole with almost no mass in it has almost no gravitational pull, I think.....so that means if they create one it will fizzle out safely contained.

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Originally Posted by fishmommy

understanding quantum physics is an incredibly important endeavor IMO.

new dimensions
time travel
teleportation
conversion of mass to energy and energy to mass
designer atoms with totally new properties

:banana:

sure, I read a lot of comic books but I know just enough about physics to know the potential applications are vast

oh, and a black hole with almost no mass in it has almost no gravitational pull, I think.....so that means if they create one it will fizzle out safely contained.

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What is the Theory that would help pretty much ELIMINATE all energy needs around the globe, if it actually worked? Was this the experiment ( or part of?)


Some friends and i were talking about this the other day.... ive completely forgotten what the process was called.

you talking about cold fusion?

if not, I'd love to hear about whatever it is :)

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Originally Posted by fishmommy

you talking about cold fusion?

if not, I'd love to hear about whatever it is :)

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Thats it! Thanks :D

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Originally Posted by JLC

1) This is a really tough question. I don't think hysterical people who don't really know what they're talking about should be allowed to shut down scientific experiments. However...if the fate of the entire world is truly at risk, certainly governments should be allowed to step in and shut it down. But who in "government" knows enough about such advanced theories to give a pass or fail to such a request? And which "government" should have a say? The country that it is being hosted in? Or any country, because it's the entire world potentially "on the line" with some massive scale experiment?

2) My personal feelings, based on what little I've read on this project....sounds kind of scary to me. Not that I'm afraid of the entire world getting sucked into a pinhole sized black hole....but I sure wouldn't want to live anywhere within 100 miles of that thing when it is being used (really big booms come to mind). As for the "fate of the world" fears....my comfort lies in my faith that the God who created this world will not allow it to be destroyed until He is ready. And when He is ready, then nothing man does or doesn't do is going to make one whit of difference.

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Took the words outta my mouth judy!

It ticks me off that they wanted to make a machine to destroy the world...

there are a couple of Hadron colliders already in use....and we're still here! whaddayaknow!

Hi,

I look at it this way - I wanna know everything they can possibly learn. :)

the destroying the world bit is of less concern as these are fairly smart and sensible people who had to think really hard to get this to work - weigh that against the fact that the heads of both our governments have nuke buttons already and I, personally, wouldn't trust either of the pair with the tv remote.

They suspected the first nuclear tests could have possibly set the whole atmosphere alight and killed us all - they did it anyway just to invent a better way of killing people.

At least these guys aren't aiming it at anyone - I'll take honest curiosity over homicidal intent any day of the week.


dr del

Well said, Derek :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NightLad

Questions for dialogue:

1) When it comes to massive-scale scientific endeavours that could, potentially, affect the entire world, who should get the final 'say' on if they should be allowed or not?

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I don't think it's possible for anyone to actually have a final say. Experiments will be performed, even if someone has to buy a private island to make their own laws to do them. I think cloning has more than proven that point.

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Originally Posted by NightLad

2) What are your personal feelings about this imminent experiment?

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I'm looking forward to see what will come of it. Hawking is betting that they won't find what they are looking for, but that doesn't mean they won't find anything at all.

As for the detractors, I think being ruled by fear would doom everyone far more easily than seeking answers.

It's kind of scary, since no one can say for sure whether or not it could potentially wipe out the planet. The best headline I've seen for it so far read, "Scientist Says if Hadron Collider Creates Microscopic Black Holes, They Probably Will Not Destroy the Earth". Whew, I'm glad I can put any doubt or worries I had to rest. I'm usually against anything where the risk potential outweighs the possitive potential. Is discovering if the theory of God particles is real important enough to risk potentially wiping out mankind? And I don't think we will ever discover the secret to time travel, if there is a way, because then people from the future would travel back and we'd already have it, right? :D

its not the end the the world till november of 2012 thats when all the ancient calendars end. So im gonna have to say were ok for atl least this up coming year. too bad tho we were just starting to get into some really cool morphs. so much potential so little time :rofl:

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Originally Posted by PythonWallace

It's kind of scary, since no one can say for sure whether or not it could potentially wipe out the planet. The best headline I've seen for it so far read, "Scientist Says if Hadron Collider Creates Microscopic Black Holes, They Probably Will Not Destroy the Earth". Whew, I'm glad I can put any doubt or worries I had to rest. I'm usually against anything where the risk potential outweighs the possitive potential. Is discovering if the theory of God particles is real important enough to risk potentially wiping out mankind? And I don't think we will ever discover the secret to time travel, if there is a way, because then people from the future would travel back and we'd already have it, right? :D

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or maybe we are the future and people are already going back without us knowing..... HAHAHA i love it :banana:

your avatar is awesome

Whenyou gotta go you gotta go;)

[QUOTE=SarahMB;874121] I'm looking forward to see what will come of it. Hawking is betting that they won't find what they are looking for, but that doesn't mean they won't find anything at all.
QUOTE]

I'll side with Hawking on that, but we have to remember that he is not really that smart.There are plenty of people with higher IQs than Hawking. There's a bouncer at a bar in Queens NY that has over 20 points on Hawking. He's just a smart guy with a lot of time on his hands. I know IQ isn't everything, but it's more about the free time he has to devote to studying physics that makes him special. A lot of people think he's got some super-human brain, Will Hunting, when in reality he's just a smart guy who likes physics and doesn't get out much.

True, but I'm going to listen to Hawking over a bouncer...unless I'm wanting in the club.

This whole scare about the Hadron Collider is absolutely ridiculous.

The problem are the people who know nothing about anything, getting freaked about what some other people who know nothing about anything, make up and try to pass off as facts.
Despite the fact there are many other particle accelerators that have been operating for many years. People get all worked up over this one cause it's a little larger. Do they realize the 1st Hadron Collider was up and running back in 1971?! Gee guess what...we're all still here!!

This entire thing is no different than the Y2K scare or the idiots that said the world was going to end in 1999 (or any other year they decide upon).

This is a big pet peeve of mine...people being scared of things they don't understand. You'd think people who love reptiles that have to put up with this very thing from all people around us, wouldn't be so quick to turn around and do the same thing.

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Originally Posted by andwhy6

its not the end the the world till november of 2012 thats when all the ancient calendars end. So im gonna have to say were ok for atl least this up coming year. too bad tho we were just starting to get into some really cool morphs. so much potential so little time :rofl:

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Originally Posted by andwhy6

or maybe we are the future and people are already going back without us knowing..... HAHAHA i love it :banana:

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Or maybe someone invented a time machine and went into the future, to Jan. 2013 and disappeared into a void, never to be heard from again.

I can't remember where I read it now but Hawking said that the thought of this creating a black hole capable of destroying the Earth is ridiculous. There are tons of particle accelerators and yes this one is bigger but I think we have other things that need to be concerned about. Oh and Pat this thing isn't in the US.

There was a guy talking about it on the radio today...he said that the possibility of it causing a black hole and causing the end of everything we know has the same chance as you standing on earth, someone else on the moon, both of you fire a bullet, and the bullets collide half way.

I love science. :gj:

Pat, the accelerator is in Switzerland...

I think its fairly exciting. I'd love to see what they find.

i chalk this up in the same league as killer bees and burmese pythons invading the US.

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Originally Posted by Nate

There was a guy talking about it on the radio today...he said that the possibility of it causing a black hole and causing the end of everything we know has the same chance as you standing on earth, someone else on the moon, both of you fire a bullet, and the bullets collide half way.

I love science. :gj:

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Was he talking about the particles colliding, or the collisions destroying the earth? Because they will definitely be colliding particles with it.

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Originally Posted by redpython

i chalk this up in the same league as killer bees and burmese pythons invading the US.

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What does that even mean? Killer bees already invaded the U.S. almost two decades ago, and are still here and spreading to some degree.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nate

There was a guy talking about it on the radio today...he said that the possibility of it causing a black hole and causing the end of everything we know has the same chance as you standing on earth, someone else on the moon, both of you fire a bullet, and the bullets collide half way.

I love science. :gj:

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Everyone here realizes that this happened 2 days ago right?
Tuesday night we had the small chance of going into a black hole because of the test they ran in Switzerland.
At least, that was what our school told us.

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Everyone here realizes that this happened 2 days ago right?
Tuesday night we had the small chance of going into a black hole because of the test they ran in Switzerland.
At least, that was what our school told us.

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They turned it on and tested it, but they won't use it to collide any particles for a month. That is what some people are worried about.

hasthelargehadroncolliderdestroyedtheworldyet

sounds like a bunch of horse poo to me.

You gotta admit, this would be a sweet way for the human race to go under and take the whole planet with us - create a black hole and just do work. We're doing that slowly but surely as it is now, might as well just get it all over with.

Ah,

The old "life sucks - lets kick that up a notch" plan - I like it. :gj:

I usually say life sucks buy a hoover and suck back. :taz:

This is all just the daddy version of banging two rocks together - and look how much fun stuff that lead to.... fire, flint tools, architecture when he sat them back down in a heap, and medicine and first aid when he caught his thumb mid bang. :gj:


dr del

Fantastic comments - very thought provoking! :)

Although I did want to mention that although the machine was activated for a test the other day, they only sent the protons spinning clockwise, and then counter clockwise. They did not send them spinning in both directions at once, for the purpose of having them collide. That experiment will take place Oct. 21st.

I hope to see you all on the 22nd! :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by panthercz

This whole scare about the Hadron Collider is absolutely ridiculous.

The problem are the people who know nothing about anything, getting freaked about what some other people who know nothing about anything, make up and try to pass off as facts.
Despite the fact there are many other particle accelerators that have been operating for many years. People get all worked up over this one cause it's a little larger. Do they realize the 1st Hadron Collider was up and running back in 1971?! Gee guess what...we're all still here!!

This entire thing is no different than the Y2K scare or the idiots that said the world was going to end in 1999 (or any other year they decide upon).

This is a big pet peeve of mine...people being scared of things they don't understand. You'd think people who love reptiles that have to put up with this very thing from all people around us, wouldn't be so quick to turn around and do the same thing.

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:bow: Couldn't have said it better myself. Good post!

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Originally Posted by PythonWallace

Was he talking about the particles colliding, or the collisions destroying the earth? Because they will definitely be colliding particles with it.



What does that even mean? Killer bees already invaded the U.S. almost two decades ago, and are still here and spreading to some degree.

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The point is the hysterira that was made about it. Same hysteria that was made about burmese pythons invading the US...and the same hysteria that is behind this experiment.

Not sure if I like this or not. Kinda sucks though since the test date is my anniversary of being with my fiance and the day we are getting married. Lets hope they test after I say my "I do"'s.

I can't believe we're still talking about how this "may" destroy the world, simply put the world's greatest minds have already provided the appropriate scientific evidence that shows that it is not even a REMOTE possibility that we could be destroyed by this. I'm tired of everyone blowing this out of freaking proportion.

I better be with my boyfriend, in my snake room, smokin sumthin good and drinking white chocolate strawberry mead If the end of the world is comming!

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Originally Posted by redpython

The point is the hysterira that was made about it. Same hysteria that was made about burmese pythons invading the US...and the same hysteria that is behind this experiment.

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Ah, why didn't you just say so. You had me confused with the talk of it being on par with a killer bee invasion. :D

Not sure if anyone on here knows this but there is actually one under Chicago. It's nowhere near as big as the one they are gonna test but these things are everywhere. Without testing stuff like this we wouldn't be able to move on into the future and see the future holds for us. I don't believe it will do any harm to anyone on earth even if it does fail. Just my 2 cents. :)