The standard model of particle physics can not clarify darkish matter or darkish vitality, which collectively make up 95 per cent of the cosmos
NASA, ESA, CSA, J. DePasquale (STScI)
IN 1973, physicist Steven Weinberg gave a chat in Aix-en-Provence, France. It was there, in keeping with Weinberg, that he first used the time period “standard model” to explain the nascent description of the basic constituents of the universe and their interactions. Fifty years on, the standard model of particle physics is a stunningly correct image of what every little thing is manufactured from and the way it all works to supply actuality.
Practically every little thing, anyway. Because though the fiftieth anniversary is nicely value celebrating, it’s unimaginable to disregard the indisputable fact that the idea is incomplete. It doesn’t clarify gravity, or why we have a lot matter in the universe and so little antimatter. And it says nothing about so-called darkish matter and darkish vitality, postulated to elucidate why the cosmos behaves in sure ways.
This is why physicists are casting round for clues that could lead us to a greater idea. But which, if any, will ship an improve to the standard model? How do we find the deluxe model? We let six of at this time’s main physicists clarify how they assume we will finally uncover a extra full image of actuality.
Collisions at the vitality frontier
Jon Butterworth
University College London
It is at all times dangerous to guess in opposition to the standard model of particle physics. Historically, most individuals who’ve achieved so have misplaced. But over the subsequent decade and a half, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will proceed …