Higgs boson

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. .

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. 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.

Overview

The Higgs Boson is a Boson, whose group includes other fundamental building blocks of the universe, such as protons and photons. The higgs boson, however, is unique in that it allows mass, under the Higgs theory, in the Standard Model of Relativity. It is believed to be around 125 GeV (Gigaelectronvolt) in mass. Aside from the Higgs Boson, there should also be the Graviton, which will help explain why there is mass.

2012 CERN discovery

In July 2012 CERN announced evidence of discovery of a boson with an energy level and other properties consistent with those expected in a Higgs boson. The available data raised a high statistical likelihood that the Higgs boson had been detected.

Bloggers on the theorized Higgs boson particle

Thomas Beale

Thomas Beale, blogger, wrote on theorized God Particle and the media attention surrounding it:

“	It will certainly be amusing if it turns out that the scientific media is reading the tea leaves wrong and CERN is summoning famous particle physicists to Switzerland in order to announce the failure of the Standard Model. But that won't be half so hilarious as if their announcement of the proof of Higgs boson is eventuall followed by a reluctant admission that it doesn't actually exist in spite of all their sigmas. It seems scientists don't pay much attention to finance, as it is remarkable how often the mathematically impossible black swan shows up to crash the party.	”
— Blogger Vox Day

Other bloggers quickly debunked him, with statistical evidence.

“	Ignorance is Blitz	”
—Phil Plait

Scientists at ATLAS have confirmed that there is a 99.99996% likelyhood of the June 2012 particle being the Higgs boson.

External Links

• [2] A short, if jargon filled overview on the Higgs Boson.
• "God particle" by PPsimmons
• BBC Radio 4: In Our Time " Higgs Boson - the search for the God particle"