Horizon Season 2007 Episode 8 The Six Billion Dollar Experiment

The Six Billion Dollar Experiment is an episode from the renowned science documentary series, Horizon season 2007. This episode explores the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) - the world's biggest and most powerful particle accelerator.

The episode begins by introducing the groundbreaking experiment being carried out at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, in Geneva, Switzerland. The ultimate aim of the experiment is to probe into the mysterious properties of subatomic particles and help us understand the fundamental structure of the universe. The episode discusses the high stakes, both in terms of funding and scientific inquiry, involved in the LHC experiment. As the title indicates, the cost of the LHC was around six billion dollars, making it the most expensive scientific experiment in history.

The show dives deep into the science behind the LHC's experiment and the complexity of its construction. The LHC accelerator consists of a looped tunnel 27 kilometers in circumference, sunk into the ground 100 meters below the French-Swiss border. Inside the tunnel, particles are accelerated to almost the speed of light, then made to collide head-on. These high-energy collisions produce showers of debris that scientists analyze to detect new and never-before-seen particles.

The episode features interviews with leading physicists, researchers, and engineers who are involved in this massive project. They talk in detail about the challenges and risks they face in carrying out such a groundbreaking scientific experiment. They also discuss the concept of the "God Particle" or the Higgs Boson, which the LHC is trying to discover that could potentially revolutionize our understanding of the universe.

Throughout the episode, the show covers the history of particle physics and the experiments that led up to the LHC. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Standard Model - the best explanation we currently have for the subatomic world - and explains how the LHC could help refine and extend this model. The program explores the potential applications of the discoveries made at LHC, from practical applications in medicine and industry to unlocking new technologies.

Overall, The Six Billion Dollar Experiment is a fascinating and extremely informative episode that offers a detailed look at one of the most ambitious scientific experiments ever undertaken. It delves into the complexities of particle physics and the innovations that have enabled us to explore the subatomic world. The episode does not shy away from discussing the controversies around the project, such as concerns over the potential catastrophic consequences of the experiment. Overall, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the mysteries of the universe and the cutting-edge research being done to uncover them.