Visiting the Large Hadron Collider: Tour Tips & Info for Random Public Visitors

In summary, the conversation is about the possibility of visiting the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland and the best way to do so. The website of the LHC is recommended as the best place to find information, and it is advised to schedule a visit well in advance. However, due to safety reasons, visitors are no longer allowed to go to the underground areas and can only see a few areas on the campus. The speaker, who used to work at the LHC, has a less enthusiastic view of the tours.
  • #1
Coin
566
1
So I am making plans to visit my sister in Switzerland this spring (around April or May?) and was excited to discover that we will be actually very close to the Large Hadron Collider! I immediately started wondering if there was some way to take a trip over there. Not sure where best on PF to ask this question, but I am wondering--

Are there tours or tourist areas at the LHC available to random members of the public like me?

Are there any tricks to attempting to visit the LHC, or any particular things one should try to do if one is specifically interested in the technical/scientific side of things there?

Note, I'm sure I'd be quite satisfied to stand around on the lawn and take a picture if that's the extent of what's allowed :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
Schedule as far ahead as possible. You can't go to the underground areas anymore, so all you really get to see is the ATLAS control room, the Globe, and a few uninteresting buildings on the campus.

Maybe I'm jaded since I used to work there, but the tours were quite unspectacular.
 

Related to Visiting the Large Hadron Collider: Tour Tips & Info for Random Public Visitors

1. What is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)?

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It is a 27-kilometer ring-shaped machine located underground at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland. Its main purpose is to study the smallest particles that make up our universe and to recreate conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang.

2. Can anyone visit the LHC and take a tour?

Yes, the LHC is open for public tours. However, due to safety and security reasons, all visitors must book a tour in advance and follow strict guidelines during their visit. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed per tour and children under the age of 12 are not permitted.

3. How can I book a tour of the LHC?

To book a tour of the LHC, you can visit the CERN website and fill out a request form. You will need to provide information such as the number of visitors, preferred date and time, and the purpose of your visit. It is recommended to book at least 2-3 months in advance as tours are in high demand.

4. What can I expect to see during the tour?

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit various parts of the LHC facility such as the underground tunnels, control room, and experimental areas. You will also learn about the history, purpose, and ongoing research at the LHC through interactive exhibits and presentations by CERN scientists.

5. Is the LHC tour suitable for all ages?

The LHC tour may not be suitable for young children due to its technical and scientific nature. However, there are designated family-friendly tours that cater to younger visitors. It is also important to note that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Similar threads

Hangout With Cern: Lhc And The Grid
    • General Discussion
Replies
4
Views
2K
Is a Small Space Hadron Collider More Efficient than a Large One?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
26
Views
3K
New Physics Complications Lend Support to Multiverse Hypothesis
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
6
Views
3K
One quick question about Higgs boson and supersymmetry
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
9
Views
3K
Simple Supersymmetry Bites the Dust
    • Cosmology
Replies
1
Views
2K
Dangers of the Large Hadron Collider: Is James Worried About Nothing?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
33
Views
25K
History What Will the Large Hadron Collider Uncover Next?
    • Art, Music, History, and Linguistics
2
Replies
39
Views
12K
CERN and Switzerland Prevail: Celebrating a Historical Moment!
    • Cosmology
Replies
2
Views
3K
Stany asked about LHC BH creation
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
2K
News The curious case of people's reaction to the Westboro Baptist Church
    • General Discussion
Replies
4
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top