Day 4 America Day!!!!

Hi!

I'm still writing this in retrospect as i'm about a day behind. Hopefully i will catch up by the end of this week as it's getting difficult trying to write down everything i've done.

We had a late start this morning due to the late evening we had eating pizza. We had a lecture on accelerators and detectors and it was interesting to find out how CERN scientists go about detecting different particles. Bear in mind that these are incredily small particles which have a half life, (sell by date) of less than millisceonds. On top of that, there are millions of these recorded over several experiments.

When the accelerator is working, experiments are done continuously for about 10 hours. This is done for about nine months and then the accelerators are closed during winter for maintenance. (And also because electricity is more expensive during the winter!)

All this data then has to be analyzed to see what particles can be detected. This is usually done by computers which sift out the majority of 'non-interesting' results, (which narrows down the data from 100s million to 1000s) so that the remainder can be analyzed in greater detail. (Most likely by Phd students.)


This brings me to a crucial point. Obviously this blog is about my experiences at CERN but i don't wish this to become are record of information and more information...... suggestions as to how i should proceed regarding the things i've learnt would be greatly apreciated!!! Otherwise the arrow button to skip paragraphs will be essential for your enjoyment!

Anyhow, it is the 4th of July today which i have named American day since i can't really remember what it is called. (Apologies to the Americans) Usually there are big celebrations in Geneva but because of the AWFUL weather they have been cancelled!!! :-(

Charlotte, one of the American teachers decided to celebrate by doing the mentos and cola experiment. I missed it, (more later on why later) but was told that it didn't work - her plan to blow up something didn't work!!!!! So she went to the supermarket and by 6 litres of cola to try again;-)

Today's highlight was learning more about the Bubble Chamber. I find it really interesting that these were some of the first particle experiments done and i'm hoping i can use this in class when i get back!!!

We also had a welcome drink to welcome some of the summer students who spend 3 months here. We also had the arrival of some British students who participated in the British Physics Olympiad. I managed to speak to one British guy but the place was so busy and all the food was gone so i left early. It was good to speak to another British voice though!