In May of 2008, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will begin operations in Geneva, Switzerland. The LHC is a giant underground magnetized cement tube that will perform the most advanced physics experiments to date. Specifically, it will blast small bunches of protons at each other from both sides which will collide in the middle. Along the tube will be a series of systems that will accelerate the particles so that they collide at great speeds. A series of sensors will automatically generate data and transfer it to scientsits all across the world for analysis.

The information the LHC will generate is expected to be enormous-- it will test some of the most bizzare modern theories of physics. One theory it will test is the Higgs particle-- a theoretical particle that gives atoms their mass. Also, by colliding particles at such high speeds, scientists expect to create micro blackholes in the tunnel which will recreate the conditions of the Big Bang. Additionally it will test some of the unifying theories of physics (like string theory), the existance of extra dimensions, the nature of dark matter and dark energy, and why gravity is weaker than other fundamental forces. The information we will gain will be fascinating, but what I find just as fascinating is the various ways that this might destroy the world.

When America was busy researching nuclear weapons in the Manhatten Project, some scientists raised concerns that a nuclear weapon would ignite the atmosphere. Similar doomsday scenarios have been put forward regarding the LHC. One such scenario involves the mini black holes the LHC will create. In theory, the black holes  will collapse just moments after being created. But their quick collapse is dependent on Hawking radiation which is theoretical itself. If the micro black holes don't collapse like they are supposed to, they could accumulate and slowly devour the Earth. Scientists have determined that the possibility, while theoretically possible, is highly unlikely.

Another safety concern has to do with hypothetical particles called strangelets. Strangelets are particles that are much more stable than normal particles and when they come into contact with normal particles they convert them into strangelet-like stability as well. Think of it as a freezing chain reaction where the strangelets come in contact with our particles and stabilize them like ice. The probability of this happening is very low, but still possible.

So basically there's this LHC machine that will tell us all sorts of cool things about the universe but has a small chance of destroying us all. I really should reiterate the "small" chance, because I don't think it will happen, just that it might. Think about the implications of the weaponization of this research too. Its all very fascinating stuff... oh, and try not to lose too much sleep.