Collider in Space? LHC Possibilities Beyond Earth

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the implications of constructing a particle collider similar to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in space, particularly in Earth's orbit or on Mars. It addresses theoretical considerations, practical challenges, and the potential scientific outcomes of such a project.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the gravitational differences in space would affect collider operations.
  • Others argue that while the physics might remain unchanged, the logistical challenges of building, powering, and operating a collider in space would be significant and costly.
  • One participant mentions that the vacuum quality in the LHC is superior to that of interstellar space, raising questions about the environmental conditions for a space-based collider.
  • Another viewpoint expresses skepticism about the benefits of a space collider, stating that any potential gains would be negligible compared to the enormous costs involved.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of underground colliders for shielding against cosmic rays, with conflicting views on the role of shielding and the implications for collider design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with no consensus on the feasibility or advantages of a space-based collider. Some agree on the challenges, while others emphasize different aspects of the discussion, leading to multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions regarding the operational environment of a collider in space, including gravitational effects, vacuum quality, and cosmic ray interactions, but these remain unresolved and contingent on further exploration.

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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