CERN’s Large Hadron Collider Powers Up: A Milestone in Physics

On September 10, 2008, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), located at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) near Geneva, Switzerland, was powered up for the first time. This historic event marked the successful firing of the first beam of protons through its 17-mile underground ring tunnel, a significant milestone in the field of particle physics.

The LHC, designed to explore fundamental questions about the universe, is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It enables scientists to collide protons at unprecedented energies, allowing them to study the fundamental building blocks of matter. The experiments conducted at the LHC have led to groundbreaking discoveries, including the identification of the Higgs boson in 2012, a particle that plays a crucial role in our understanding of mass.

As we reflect on this pivotal moment in scientific history, it is essential to consider the broader context. On this date in 1608, John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia, establishing a leadership framework for one of the earliest English settlements in North America.

Further notable events on September 10 include the patenting of the sewing machine by Elias Howe in 1846, which revolutionized the textile industry. In 1960, Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia made history by winning the Olympic marathon in Rome while running barefoot, becoming the first Black African to secure Olympic gold. Additionally, the same year saw Hurricane Donna, a powerful Category 4 storm, strike the Florida Keys, resulting in significant devastation and loss of life.

The date also holds political significance, particularly in 1991 when the Senate Judiciary Committee began hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. This event became a focal point in national discussions about sexual harassment, especially after law professor Anita Hill alleged inappropriate behavior by Thomas during his tenure at the Department of Education.

In recent history, on September 10, 2022, King Charles III was officially proclaimed the monarch of the United Kingdom in a grand ceremony two days after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This transition of power marked a new era for the British monarchy.

As we celebrate the achievements and historical milestones associated with September 10, it is worth noting the birthdays of several prominent individuals, including scientist Jared Diamond, who turns 88, and singer José Feliciano, who celebrates his 80th birthday. Other notable figures born on this day include former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau (77), political commentator Bill O’Reilly (76), and baseball Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (62).

These events remind us of the diverse tapestry of history that September 10 encapsulates, highlighting remarkable achievements in science, politics, and culture. The legacy of the Large Hadron Collider, along with the myriad of significant occurrences on this date, continues to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.