Rodent causes LHC shutdown

A small rodent weighing only a few hundred grams triggered a short circuit near an electrical transformer at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), leading to an unexpected shutdown. This incident is remembered as a quirky episode in the history of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

End of LHC’s Run 3

The LHC recently completed Run 3, a major phase of research, with a total of 505 fb⁻¹ of accumulated collisions. The ATLAS experiment alone recorded 332 fb⁻¹ of collisions, marking a significant achievement in particle physics before the planned shutdown begins.

Future Circular Collider under consideration

CERN is currently preparing for the Future Circular Collider (FCC), a massive 90.7 km particle accelerator that could cost up to 16 billion euros. A final decision on the project is expected in 2028, with private donors already contributing one billion dollars to support its development.

Public debate over FCC location

A public debate was held in the French regions of Ain and Haute-Savoie to discuss the potential location and impact of the FCC. This reflects the broader community engagement required for such a large-scale scientific infrastructure project.

Controlled shutdown for upgrades

The planned shutdown of the LHC involves carefully dismantling 1.2 kilometers of the accelerator to install new equipment for the High-Luminosity LHC (HiLumi LHC). This is a planned and systematic process, contrasting sharply with the accidental shutdown caused by the rodent.

Broader context of particle physics challenges

CERN is not the only facility facing operational challenges, as the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory recently closed after 25 years of operation. Despite these challenges, ambitious projects like the FCC continue to drive progress in the field of particle physics.