| − | A '''Higgs boson''' is a theorized elementary particle whose existence is predicted by the [[Standard Model]] of particle physics. It serves a key role in explaining the origin of mass of other elementary particles of the Standard Model. It has recentely been observed in nature, confirmed to 4 standard deviations by the Large Hadron Collider, and 5 standard deviations by ATLAS - particle accelerators based at [[CERN]] in Switzerland. Physicist Leon Lederman coined and popularized the term "God Particle" to describe the Higgs boson. <ref> Lederman L., The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer, What Is the Question?, New York:Dell, 1993</ref>. | + | A '''Higgs boson''' is a theorized elementary particle whose existence is predicted by the [[Standard Model]] of particle physics. It serves a key role in explaining the origin of mass of other elementary particles of the Standard Model. It has recentely been observed in nature, confirmed to 4 standard deviations by the Large Hadron Collider, and 5 standard deviations (which is equivalent to a certainty of approximately 99.9999667%) by ATLAS - particle accelerators based at [[CERN]] in Switzerland. Physicist Leon Lederman coined and popularized the term "God Particle" to describe the Higgs boson. <ref> Lederman L., The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer, What Is the Question?, New York:Dell, 1993</ref>. |
| − | On July 4, 2012, Physicists at [[CERN]] announced the observation of a particle whose properties are consistent with mathematical predictions relating to the Higgs Boson. However, CERN has yet to definitively state that the particle they observed is, in fact, the Higgs.<ref>[http://io9.com/5923494/what-todays-higgs-boson-discovery-really-means?]</ref> However, it has been confirmed with confidence of 5 standard deviations ("5 sigma"), which is equivalent to a certainty of approximately 99.9999667%. The particle cannot, technically, be confirmed to exist with certainty - and therefore the best that can be said is a new particle has been discovered, the observed properties of the particle are consistent with those predicted of Higgs boson. The process now begins to determine the precise mechanism by which the Higgs boson confers mass, as its existence has been confirmed to the level of accuracy deemed necessary to constitute discovery. | + | On July 4, 2012, Physicists at [[CERN]] announced the observation of a particle whose properties are consistent with mathematical predictions relating to the Higgs Boson. However, CERN has yet to definitively state that the particle they observed is, in fact, the Higgs.<ref>[http://io9.com/5923494/what-todays-higgs-boson-discovery-really-means?]</ref> The particle cannot, technically, be confirmed to exist with certainty - and therefore the best that can be said is a new particle has been discovered, the observed properties of the particle are consistent with those predicted of Higgs boson. The process now begins to determine the precise mechanism by which the Higgs boson confers mass, as its existence has been confirmed to the level of accuracy deemed necessary to constitute discovery. |