Horizon Season 2012 Episode 11 How Small is the Universe?

How Small is the Universe? is the eleventh episode of season 2012 of Horizon, a documentary series produced by the BBC that explores various scientific and technological developments. In this episode, scientists attempt to answer one of the biggest questions in physics - How small is the Universe? To find out, the episode delves into the latest research on the smallest known particles of the Universe - the subatomic particles such as quarks, neutrinos, and electrons.

The episode begins by introducing the concept of the Planck length, which is the smallest possible measurable length in the Universe. It sets the context for the discussion on the scale of the Universe and the challenge of measuring such small distances. It then moves on to discuss the smallest known particle - the quark, which is believed to be the building block of all matter. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, the episode explores the properties of quarks and the theories that surround them.

The search for an answer to the question, How small is the Universe?, takes the episode to the CERN particle accelerator in Switzerland, where physicists use the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to study the properties of subatomic particles such as the Higgs-Boson particle. The episode shows the LHC in action and explains how scientists use the collider to recreate the conditions of the early Universe and study the interactions of particles at a very small scale. The episode explores the different types of particles that the LHC can detect and the ways in which they are detected.

The episode then moves on to discuss the concept of dark matter - a mysterious substance that makes up approximately 27% of the Universe. Physicists believe that dark matter is made up of particles that do not interact with light, making it impossible to detect using traditional methods. The episode explores the latest research on dark matter and the various experiments that scientists have devised to try and detect it. These experiments include the use of underground detectors and super-sensitive instruments that can detect the smallest of signals.

Throughout the episode, scientists discuss the limitations of current technology in measuring the smallest particles and the scale of the Universe. They also discuss the possibility of new discoveries that could help unlock the mysteries of the Universe. The episode concludes by discussing the potential of new technology, such as quantum computing, to help scientists unlock the secrets of the Universe.

In summary, How Small is the Universe? is an informative and engaging episode of Horizon that explores the smallest known particles of the Universe and the technology used to study them. It offers a fascinating insight into the latest research on quarks, neutrinos, and electrons and the challenges of measuring distances on a subatomic scale. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the mysteries of the Universe and the latest developments in physics research.