Learn more about LHC, experiments, physics

The place to discuss the LHC. Commissioning, operation, issues, events ....
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RonnyV
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:49 pm

Learn more about LHC, experiments, physics

Post by RonnyV » Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:06 pm

I was lucky to be able to visit CERN and the CMS experiment earlier this year. I live in Belgium about 850 km from CERN and we went over there with the "volkssterrenwacht" (would translate something like "amateur space observatory") Urania. A small report about this visit can be found at http://www.urania.be/showpage.php?ID=854, in Dutch only :?
I can tell you even at that time it was not possible anymore for us to go into the tunnel as beam had been in the pipe and according to the law, it is now a nuclear installation and you need to be trained and have the proper equipment + radiation dose badge etc. before you are allowed in the tunnel.
The access to the tunnel and cavern is very well protected with real James Bond style security items like access portals with sensors into the ground surface and lasers to scan your body contour (to prevent multiple people getting in at once), iris scans, access cards etc. and lots of CCTV, only getting in was an adventure ...
Photo's can be found here http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 26a94be647
We were also very lucky to get explanation from enthusiastic professors from the University of Brussels that work at CERN.
My advice if you are interested to know more about the LHC an its experiments and physics:
1) find a lecture on it in your neighborhood
2) start at the LHC-portal and follow all the links and read the forums
3) explore the CERN website using an external CERN account, there is a tremendous pile of free information available, try searching for "summer school" for example, you'll get links to powerpoints of most lectures, although I do not understand everything, they are a magnificent resource to learn more

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Xymox
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Joined: Wed Nov 11, 2009 12:55 pm
Location: Phoenix, Az USA
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Re: Learn more about LHC, experiments, physics

Post by Xymox » Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:21 pm

Any idea about where to find local lectures ? I have ASU university close by Olso University of Arizona a 1 drive away...

Shadowdraxx
LHCPortal Guru
Posts: 184
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 1:03 am

Re: Learn more about LHC, experiments, physics

Post by Shadowdraxx » Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:22 pm

Nice, thanks for sharing your experiences with us :)

RonnyV
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:49 pm

Re: Learn more about LHC, experiments, physics

Post by RonnyV » Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:30 pm

Regarding "summer school" downloadable presentations take a look here: http://indico.cern.ch/conferenceOtherVi ... icecompact for the 2009 versions.

Have fun ! :P

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