Bird Causes CERN Atom Smasher Shutdown

In summary, a baguette-toting bird caused a malfunction in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) due to its droppings getting into the sensitive electronic equipment. This is not the first time animals or unexpected objects have caused issues in experiments and accelerators. However, it is surprising that the LHC designers did not take precautions to protect the equipment from outside interference.
  • #1
jim mcnamara
Mentor
4,769
3,813
From the CNN:
http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/06/baguette-toting-bird-stalls-atom-smasher/

I hadn't heard about this except from here. Story: A piece of bread got into some external electronic equipment and caused a problem. It is thought a bird did it.

I find it odd that the LHC designers would leave sensitive electronics open to bird ejecta.
Anyone else hear about this - is it factual?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Believe it or not, but the history of experiments and accelerators are replete with stories like these.
Rats have caused malfunctions, stray beer bottles, cigarrete butts and so on..

In fact, to expect the unexpected is one of the trade marks of a good experimentalist and can sometimes even be taken to far. For instance, Penzias and Wilson nearly missed out on the discovery of the CMB, b/c they believe the signal they had received was due to bird droppings (they meticulously cleaned the dish b/c they were convinced there was an error).
 
  • #3
Also, one normally sees electrical transformers outside. Since the power lines are outside anyway, it's not like you are ever going to have a fully indoors system.
 

1. What is CERN and what does it do?

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a world-renowned research organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. It is responsible for the construction and operation of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a 27-kilometer circular tunnel located beneath the Swiss-French border, where scientists study the fundamental particles and forces that make up our universe.

2. What happened with the CERN Atom Smasher shutdown?

In December 2018, the CERN Atom Smasher, also known as the LHC, experienced a shutdown due to a small bird, believed to be a weasel or marten, dropping a piece of bread onto a section of outdoor machinery. This caused a short circuit, triggering an automatic safety system and shutting down the collider and all of its experiments.

3. How long was the shutdown and what were the consequences?

The shutdown lasted for about an hour, as technicians and engineers worked to identify and resolve the issue. The impact of the shutdown was minimal, as the LHC was already scheduled to be shut down for maintenance over the holiday season. However, it did cause a delay in the experiments and data collection that were planned for that day.

4. Has this happened before at CERN?

Yes, this is not the first time that an animal has caused a shutdown at CERN. In 2009, a bird dropped a baguette onto an electrical substation, causing a power cut and a brief shutdown of the LHC. In 2016, a weasel chewed through a 66-kilovolt transformer, causing another shutdown and significant damage. These incidents highlight the importance of animal control measures at research facilities such as CERN.

5. What measures are being taken to prevent future animal-related shutdowns at CERN?

CERN has implemented various measures to prevent animal-related shutdowns in the future. This includes installing bird and animal deterrent systems, such as spikes and nets, around outdoor machinery and using ultrasonic devices to deter small animals. Additionally, CERN has increased security patrols and implemented strict protocols for handling any potential animal threats to the facility.

Back
Top