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Scientists at CERN have Discovered a New Particle
Researchers at the Large Hadron Collider have discovered a new particle (image credit: CERN).
Researchers at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have discovered a new particle, called Xi-cc++. The name doesn't roll off the tongue very well, but the discovery will help understand how the nuclei of atoms hold themselves together. There are four fundamental forces in the Universe: the weak force, the strong force, the electromagnetic force, and the gravitational force. The strong force is responsible for holding the nucleus of an atom together; for example, a regular helium atom's nucleus has two protons and two neutrons all held tightly together by the strong force. The particle Xi-cc++ discovered at CERN has never been observed before, and is made up of three elementary particles called quarks held together by the strong force. By studying how the quarks in this new particle have stuck together, researchers hope to learn more about one of the most fundamental forces in the Universe.
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Scientists at CERN have Discovered a New Particle
Jesse Rogerson, PhD
Jesse is a passionate scientist, educator, and science communicator. As an assistant professor at York University in the Department of Science, Technology, and Society, he teaches three classes: History of Astronomy, Introduction to Astronomy, and Exploring the Solar System. He frequently collaborates with the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and lends his expert voice to the Ingenium Channel. Jesse is an astrophysicist, and his research explores how super massive black holes evolve through time. Whether in the classroom, through social media, or on TV, he encourages conversations about how science and society intersect, and why science is relevant in our daily lives.
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