Scientists measure antimatter atom for 1st time
Physicists hope their observations will lead to a better understanding of our universe
From CBC
Physicists from CERN in Switzerland have taken another step forward in our understanding of the makeup of the universe.Full article: http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/scientists-measure-antimatter-atom-for-1st-time-1.3903268While you may be familiar with the term antimatter from science-fiction shows like Star Trek, it's a real thing. Scientists know it exists — small amounts of it rain down on us all the time — but capturing it and actually seeing it has been tricky.
The theory is that when the universe was created in a violent explosion — the Big Bang — equal amounts of antimatter and matter were created. When antimatter and matter come together, they should annihilate one another, leaving nothing but energy behind. However, we live in a world where matter far outweighs antimatter, something that has stumped physicists.
In a study published in the journal Nature on Monday, CERN's physicists used a laser to precisely measure the optical properties, or spectroscopy, of antihydrogen contained in an antimatter "trap."
Scientists found that hydrogen and antihydrogen contained the same properties, something that Einstein's theory of general relativity had previously concluded.
Canadian researchers, part of the Antihydrogen Laser Physics Apparatus (ALPHA) team at CERN, participated in the successful experiment.
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hmm...this is Fermi reasoning but without wasting millions I would have postulated it to be the same size as a conventional atom. Could have saved a bundle thinking about that
First the reasoning, then the experiment to confirm the theory. This is about confirming what we have some reason to believe may be true about the nature of reality. Unfortunately, neither the world's leading scientists, nor humanity can rely on @johnygeddes' postulations alone......however much we'd save.....lol. Anyway, importantly, this confirms Theory (Einstein's), which can now clear the way forward for further hypotheses , thought experiments..... postulations and such. We are now more knowledgeable and can more confidently rule things out or rule things in based on some actual evidence.
Well worth the money I'd say......another leap for mankind and definitely worth every penny........
HOW MUCH????????!!!!!.........Fuck me, I could 'ave told 'em that!!....lol....great post @contentjunkie