Collider in Space? LHC Possibilities Beyond Earth

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of constructing a particle collider similar to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Earth's orbit or on Mars. Key points include the challenges of gravity, cost, and data transmission, which would significantly increase the complexity and expense of such a project. Despite the potential for a vacuum in space being superior to that of the LHC, the overall gains in particle physics would be negligible compared to the enormous costs involved. Additionally, the necessity of underground construction for shielding against cosmic rays is emphasized, as well as the benefits of minimizing surface land use.

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  • Understanding of particle physics and the function of colliders like the LHC
  • Knowledge of cosmic rays and their impact on particle detection
  • Familiarity with vacuum technology and its importance in collider operations
  • Awareness of the logistical challenges in extraterrestrial construction and data management
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  • Research the engineering challenges of building particle colliders in space
  • Explore the implications of cosmic rays on particle physics experiments
  • Investigate advancements in vacuum technology for high-energy physics
  • Learn about the data transmission methods used in remote scientific research
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Particle physicists, aerospace engineers, and researchers interested in the implications of constructing colliders in non-Earth environments.

Al9
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What could change if a collider like LHC would be built and made function in Earth's orbit or on another planet like Mars?
 
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Hi Al,##\quad\quad## :welcome:

There would be less gravity.:wink:
##\mathstrut##
 
Building it, powering it, running it and getting the data to computing centers would be much more expensive and difficult, but the particle physics would be the same.
 
Al9 said:
What could change if a collider like LHC would be built and made function in Earth's orbit or on another planet like Mars?
The gain would be negligible (if anything) and the increase is cost would be ENORMOUS, so it's not a good idea.
 
hmmm, what would you answer to someone who would ask you "why did we dig up 100m into the Earth to put the collider?"... we need some shielding from "outer" particles (e.g. cosmic rays)
 
ChrisVer said:
hmmm, what would you answer to someone who would ask you "why did we dig up 100m into the Earth to put the collider?"... we need some shielding from "outer" particles (e.g. cosmic rays)
Colliders are not built underground due to cosmic rays. The opposite actually: Muons are routinely used for detector alignment. Too much shielding would be bad.
Colliders are often built underground because (a) you don't have to purchase and use all the land at the surface and (b) it shields everything else against radiation from the collisions.
 
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