2008 events in the Globe

Globe of Science and Innovation 1st floor - Route de Meyrin, 1211 Geneva

From Tuesday, 28 October, to Saturday, 13 December 2008

Tuesdays and Wednesdays

from 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

The phenomenon of superconductivity was discovered a century ago. The first step was taken in 1907 when helium was liquefied for the first time. The capability to cool materials down to temperatures of -269°C (4.2K), made it possible to study the new phenomenon of superconductivity. The properties of this amazing discovery are already being used in a variety of applications in such areas as medical imaging, energy transportation, storage, magnetic levitation and transportation, and electronics. Come and find out how superconductivity has been used for the magnets of CERN’s new accelerator, and test the feeling of levitation for yourself!

Free entry - No specialist knowledge required.

A series of lectures in French on globes, spheres, and balls… in nature, mathematics, physics and architecture.

Thursday 6 November 2008 at 8 p.m.

From the harmony of celestrial spheres to elementary particles: the spheres of science past and present

Jan Lacki, professor of science history and philosophy

People have always been intrigued by the sphere, with its form combining simplicity and perfection. No wonder, then, that it continues to exercise its fascination on scientists today as it did on the ancient philosophers. The sphere is the model of the universe, in ancient and modern cosmogony; in mathematics, it gives rise to some strange geometrical relations; and in 20th century physics it remains the most widely used form to represent atoms and elementary particles. No doubt the sphere will remain an enduring source of inspiration in science.

Monday 10 November 2008 at 8 p.m.

Particle physics in the hospital: how detectors and accelerators are changing diagnostics and therapy

CERN physicist Paul Lecoq, John Prior, doctor in the nuclear medicine service at the Lausanne teaching hospitals (CHUV), and Jean-Marie Le Goff, head of CERN’s technology transfer unit

Come and discuss objects that are part of the LHC (crystals, etc.) and others deriving from the application of these materials in the public domain (e.g. PET scans).

Le LHC est un magnifique exemple d’outil de haute technologie au service de la recherche fondamentale. Dans cette innovation The LHC is a magnificent example of a high-tech tool used for fundamental research. This major technical innovation, which pushes current technology to its limits, has hidden spin-offs for industry and the general public. For diagnostics as well as for therapy, state-of-the-art medical techniques are strongly indebted to innovations deriving from fundamental particle physics research. Thus, for instance, the crystals used in the LHC’s huge detectors and the sophisticated data-handling software can now be found in medical imaging tools. Superconductivity has applications in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) while protons are becoming key players in medical accelerators used to treat tumours.

What new medical applications will emerge from research at the LHC?

Thursday 13 November 2008 at 8.00 p.m.

In architecture: From the vaulted ceiling to the Globe... a change in architectural perspective

Hervé Dessimoz and Thomas Büchi

People have always been intrigued by the sphere, with its form combining simplicity and perfection. No wonder, then, that it continues to exercise its fascination on scientists today as it did on the ancient philosophers. The sphere is the model of the universe, in ancient and modern cosmogony; in mathematics, it gives rise to some strange geometrical relations; and in 20th century physics it remains the most widely used form to represent atoms and elementary particles. No doubt the sphere will remain an enduring source of inspiration in science.

Tout public, entrée libre. Réservation au +41 (0)22 767 76 76

Monday 17 November 2008 at 8 p.m.

Superconductivity, from physics to applications

Lecture by Philippe Lebrun, Head of CERN’s Accelerator Technology Department

Superconductivity, which is the total absence of electrical resistance, was discovered approximately 100 years agoin a few medals at very low temperature. It took 50 years to explain this phenomenon and several decades more to begin to apply it in major scientific facilities such as the LHC. Development of superconductivity will make it possible to illustrate the relations between science, technology and society.

Tuesday 18 November 2008 at 8.30 p.m.

Show: Harlequin and the colour of quarks

There are three characters in this story: Harlequin, the faithful and mischievous servant, Maâdame, a demanding and determined grande dame, and Gene-Va, a young physics student who sells fruit and vegetables on the side.

It’s pandemonium! Maâdame is organising a big celebration for her dear daughter’s birthday.

She wants to give her the most original dress in the world so that she will be the belle of the ball. After endless web searches, quite by chance she discovers that the quarks, the elementary components of matter, can have different colours. Now there’s an idea! The performance will be given by the troupe Mosaïque which is resident in Geneva. The show will be followed by a discussion with physicists.

Wednesday 19 November 2008 at 8.30 p.m.

LHC, the Big Bang in a test-tube

Bar of Sciences with the video link to Montpellier and Paris

Our understanding of the Universe is changing. Come to the debate moderated by Marie-Odile Montchicourt, a journalist from the French radio station France Info. It will be conducted by video link between the Globe of Science and Innovation, the Le Baloard bar in Montpellier and the Maison des Métallos in Paris. CERN participants: CERN physicists Philippe Charpentier and Daniel Froideveaux, Participants in Paris: the philosopher and CEA research scientist Vincent Bontemps and the philosopher, science historian and theologian Jacques Arnould. Participants in Montpellier: André Neveu, theoretical physicist at France’s Theoretical and Astroparticle Physics Laboratory (LPTA) and director of research at the CNRS ; Gilbert Moultaka, theoretical physicist at LPTA and research officer at the CNRS.

Free entry - No specialist knowledge required. To reserve call +41 (0)22 767 76 76

Complete programme of the Globe: http://www.cern.ch/globe

From 3 to 15 November 2008

In 2008, CERN is switching on the greatest physics experiment ever undertaken, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). One of the first events to mark the start-up of this massive project will be an exhibition of very large photos.

The exhibition offers a staggering panorama of the LHC machine and experiments, paying tribute to the work of everyone who has contributed to this exceptional project. These fundamental research tools are as large as a block of flats and as accurate as a Swiss watch.

Visitors to the exhibition will see science from a new and original angle, as the photographer’s lens reveals these scientific instruments in all their breathtaking glory.

"Fun with Physics" shows are planned.