Longest continuous running lab experiment

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on identifying the longest continuous running experiments, emphasizing setups that operate without interruption. Notable mentions include the Voyager space probes and an experiment that began in 1927. The conversation highlights a light bulb that has been burning for over 108 years, considered a quasi-experiment due to its longevity. Other significant examples include the Beverly clock, operational since 1864 and influenced by temperature and pressure changes, and the Oxford Electric Bell. Additionally, long-term agricultural experiments in the UK, some starting as early as 1843, are noted for their ongoing research into nutrient depletion. The thread also references a unique symphony that plays one note per year, illustrating the diversity of continuous experiments.
wolram
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What is the longest continuous running experiment , By continuous i mean some equipment is set up and left to run, not some thing like CERN where there has been periods of down time.
 
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Life.

They're watching :eek:
 
Voyager space probes?
 
Possibly this one.

http://www.smp.uq.edu.au/pitch/

http://www.smp.uq.edu.au/pitch/

Started 1927.
 
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signerror said:
Possibly this one.

http://www.smp.uq.edu.au/pitch/

http://www.smp.uq.edu.au/pitch/

Started 1927.

Gads that is amazing i would not have given a thought to such an experiment, i guessed it would be some thing to do with time.
 
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How about the light bulb that's been burning for the past 108 years: a quasi-experiment?
http://www.centennialbulb.org/"
 
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Loren Booda said:
How about the light bulb that's been burning for the past 108 years: a quasi-experiment?
http://www.centennialbulb.org/"

Wow, that was my first thought, too :approve:! But I was way too busy this afternoon to post it.
 
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wolram said:
Gads that is amazing i would not have given a thought to such an experiment, i guessed it would be some thing to do with time.

This guy should do the Heinz ketchup commercials.
 
Loren Booda said:
How about the light bulb that's been burning for the past 108 years: a quasi-experiment?
http://www.centennialbulb.org/"

That bulb is running wa-a-a-ay underpowered.
 
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  • #10
signerror said:
Possibly this one. Started 1927.

That is tenacity above and beyond the call of duty. At least he had time to go and get in a couple of rounds of golf between taking readings.
 
  • #11
Brings new meaning to "watching molasses."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Molasses_Disaster"
 
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  • #12
Then there is the Beverly clock, in the city with the most beautiful http://zamaitt.com/wagamama/nz/popular%20tours/img/dunedin%20railway%20station.jpg in the world, running since 1864, driven by temperature and pressure variation.

Also worth mentioning the Oxford Electric Bell.
 
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  • #13
If I recall, some of the longest experiments are agricultural ones. There have been fields set up in the UK for decades to test the effects of nutrient depletion etc. This article states that one was started in 1843, and if it's the one I'm thinking of then it's still going.
 
  • #14
The next largest prime number?
 
  • #15
I heard on the radio that there was a town, I think in Western Europe, where a symphony is played out 1 note per year, i.e. 1 note drone for 365 days. I forget how long it's been going.

I've forgotten the crucial elements really.
 
  • #16
Andre said:
Then there is the Beverly clock, in the city with the most beautiful http://zamaitt.com/wagamama/nz/popular%20tours/img/dunedin%20railway%20station.jpg in the world, running since 1864, driven by temperature and pressure variation.

Also worth mentioning the Oxford Electric Bell.

Nice one Andre.
 
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