Author Archives: Jon Butterworth

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About Jon Butterworth

UCL Physics prof, works on LHC, writes (books, Cosmic Shambles and elsewhere). Citizen of England, UK, Europe & Nowhere, apparently.

LHC High Energy Physics Start

Posted on 31/03/2010 by Jon Butterworth

See also Chapter 3.1 of Smashing Physics. So, the LHC breaks new ground again. Not just in fundamental physics and accelerator technology, but in doing science live in public, or at least so it feels. We had hoped for collisions … Continue reading →

Posted in Particle Physics, Physics, Science, Science Policy | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments

It’s the Future, Stupid*

Posted on 28/03/2010 by Jon Butterworth

Today there is a letter in the Mail on Sunday from a bunch of astronomers and particle physicists backing up Suzanne Moore‘s piece last week. Her article was great (even if the juxtaposition of Carla Bruni’s rear and the now … Continue reading →

Posted in Particle Physics, Politics, Science, Science Policy | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Minimum Bias

Posted on 22/03/2010 by Jon Butterworth

[29/3/2010 An article based on this, benefiting from Ian Sample’s excellent editorial help, went on the Guardian site. See also Chapter 2.2 of Smashing Physics.] As of Friday morning, the LHC is accelerating protons to an energy three-and-a-half times higher … Continue reading →

Posted in Particle Physics, Physics, Science | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Dreamt of in your philosophy

Posted on 16/03/2010 by Jon Butterworth

I strive to retain respect for philosophy and philosophers, really I do. Some of my best friends are philosophers. I’d hate to dismiss a whole area of intellectual endeavour as a sterile playground for clever wasters creating and demolishing pointless … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Philosophy, Science | Tagged | 13 Comments