CERN's OPERA Experiment: Measuring Faster-Than-Light Speed

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SUMMARY

The OPERA experiment at CERN aimed to measure neutrino speeds, which were reported to exceed the speed of light by 60 nanoseconds. The experiment involved sending neutrinos from CERN to Gran Sasso Laboratory, with the detection of their arrival times. The initial findings sparked significant debate and scrutiny within the scientific community, ultimately leading to further investigations that questioned the accuracy of the measurements. The results were later attributed to measurement errors rather than a violation of the speed of light limit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics and neutrino behavior
  • Familiarity with experimental physics methodologies
  • Knowledge of time measurement techniques in high-energy physics
  • Basic grasp of Einstein's theory of relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the methodology of the OPERA experiment in detail
  • Learn about the implications of Einstein's theory of relativity on particle speed
  • Investigate the techniques used for precise time measurement in physics experiments
  • Explore subsequent experiments that tested the speed of neutrinos, such as ICARUS and MINOS
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Physicists, researchers in high-energy physics, and students interested in the implications of particle speed measurements and relativity.

halli
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I have been reading and I think I understand what they were doing in CERN (OPERA) when they measured a speed faster than light. But I am not sure so I would like to ask you if I understand this right.

As I understand it they "shot" two microwaves. The first one went straight to a "goal" but the second one had to go through a 3 feet metal before reaching the "goal". The second one came to "goal" 60 nano seconds earlier then the first one assumed traveling at the speed of light.

Am I understanding this right?
 
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