Tag Archives: Smashing Physics

Science is Vital

Posted on 10/10/2010 by Jon Butterworth

It’s not a threat, it’s not whining. We’re scientists and we are reporting the facts The last time I went on a demo was more than twenty years ago. It was either poll tax or student grants (remember those?). Probably … Continue reading →

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Keep calm, carry on, but don’t keep quiet

Posted on 04/10/2010 by Jon Butterworth

See also Chapter 4.1 of Smashing Physics. I have been dealing with cuts in science since 2007. It can be draining and depressing, but I have learned at least two important lessons. The HERA collider started up for the first … Continue reading →

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Can you tell what it is yet?

Posted on 22/09/2010 by Jon Butterworth

See also Chapter 3.7 of Smashing Physics. Detailed software models of particle physics detectors are an essential part of designing and using them. GEANT, the huge open-source software project developed for them, is also used for space and medical applications … Continue reading →

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From liquid argon to M theory?

Posted on 16/09/2010 by Jon Butterworth

See also Chapter 2.6 of Smashing Physics. Claiming to understand the universe from first principles is all very well, but the foundations have to be built on experiment and observation. And it is slow, hard work. Even in Pisa. Continued … Continue reading →

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