CERN Accelerating science

     
 

CERN
Bulletin

   
 

LHCf sheds new light on cosmic rays

The energy spectrum of the single photon obtained using data from the LHCf experiment has turned out to be very different from that predicted by the theoretical models used until now to describe the interactions between very high-energy cosmic rays and the earth's atmosphere. The consequences of this discrepancy for cosmic ray studies could be significant. >>

Setting visible footprints for peace

Last week, Israel’s cabinet agreed that Israel could become a member of CERN, bringing CERN’s geographical enlargement one step closer. Council still has to discuss the timetable for accession. However, Israel’s associate membership, an essential prerequisite for membership, could begin this year. It’s a moment I’m looking forward to. >>

LHC Report: spring cleaning over, bunches of luminosity

Scrubbing was completed on Wednesday 13 April. The run had seen over 1000 bunches per beam successfully circulating at 450 GeV. Measurements showed that electron cloud activity in the cold regions had been suppressed. A decrease of vacuum activity in the warm regions demonstrated that the cleaning had also achieved the required results there. As discussed in the last Bulletin, the scrubbing was performed with high intensity bunches with 50 nanosecond spacing. Given the potential luminosity performance with this spacing (more bunches, higher bunch intensity from the injectors) and in the light of the results of the scrubbing run, the decision was taken to continue the 2011 physics run with this bunch spacing. >>

Cornavin station to CERN non-stop in 20 minutes

Following several years of work, the construction of the Jardin Alpin – CERN tramline is almost complete, and the first tram is due to arrive at CERN on 30 April. Celebrations to mark the occasion will be held in Meyrin-Village and at CERN. >>

AMS ready for launch

On 29 April, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) will complete its long expedition to the International Space Station on board the space shuttle Endeavour. The Endeavour is set to lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Station at 15:47 EST (21:47 CET). >>

New spokesperson for the LHCb collaboration

Pierluigi Campana begins his 3-year tenure as LHCb spokesperson this June. As the new voice for the collaboration, Campana will lead the experiment through what should prove to be a very exciting phase. >>

ISOLDE gets a new laser system

It's action stations at ISOLDE, the On-Line Isotope Mass Separator at CERN. The Laboratory is preparing to add a second laser ion source system to its arsenal. By alternating between two laser systems, the ISOLDE team will be able to switch from one type of beam to another in record time. >>

High-energy physics, the South American way

The 6th CERN–Latin American School of High-Energy Physics (CLASHEP) was held in Brazil from 23 March to 5 April. With its record-breaking attendance and strong international spirit, CLASHEP is yet another sign of the continent's growing particle physics community. >>

It's all change at the Computer Centre

The IT and EN Departments are modernising the infrastructure of the Computer Centre to improve the conditions in which the equipment has to operate and to increase capacity. The construction work has already begun and is due to be completed in October 2012. >>

Workplace safety: Let’s ask the right questions

Since 2003, the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization have been organising an annual event on 28 April called “World Day for Safety and Health at Work.” This year, CERN is taking part for the first time with campaigns organised by the Safety Unit of the BE Department and by the HSE Unit. >>

Mini researchers for massive experiments

On Friday 15 April, CERN welcomed the first classes participating in the “Dans la peau d’un chercheur” project. >>

CERN’s travelling exhibition goes to Austria

Since April 2009 CERN’s travelling exhibition has been touring through some of the Organization's Member States. After Italy and Denmark it has been on show since February at Austria’s Hartberg Ökopark, a very popular science museum situated some one hundred kilometres from Vienna. To coincide with the CERN exhibition, Austria’s scientific community has organised a series of events for the general public which have had marked success. The exhibition's next destination will be Portugal and preparations are already underway to ensure that it is another resounding success >>

News from the Library: E-book or printed book? You can have the best of both worlds!

Over the last couple of years, the Library has been expanding its collection of electronic books. The most popular titles are, of course, also bought as paper copies and are available for loan. >>

Official News

Taxation in France  
Tax declaration: for the attention of members of the personnel and pensioners living in France  
New set of Chemical Safety rules  

Training and Development

Academic Training: An Introduction to the Standard Theory of Electroweak Interactions  
General and Professional French Courses  
Safety Training: scheduled sessions in April  

Announcements

Encryption is Useless!?  
One week left for register to the 2011 CERN School of Computing - Deadline 3 May!  
Communication from the Radioactive Shipping Service  
CERN Relay Race  
Film Presentation: CERN or the Factory for the Absolute by Jan Sacher (2010)  
CERN restaurant opening times during the Easter weekend  
Dutch School in Geneva  
Communication from the Radioactive Waste Service  

Staff Association

From discussion to dismay  
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Orienteering club  
GAC-EPA  
Special offer  
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