Scientists hope for surprises in Big Bang experiment

just, it'd be a tiny black hole that wouldn't even exist for a full second though, not the one that'd suck in the universe (like some less educated people are worried about)... that kind of black hole would take take QUITE a bit more than 2 particles...

Yeah, I know. It's just fascinating that there was a time in the recent past when physicists weren't even certain about the existence of black holes. Now we can potentially create them (albeit, small ones).

9.2 billion????? Holy freakin cow!!! Is this really THAT important?

Yes, it is that important. Knowledge is priceless.

considering the possibility of a near infinite return on investment, yes, it's worth it.

if it changes the world like the transitor, steam engine, etc, then there's no real way to argue against it... and even if it doesn't it gets us closer to understanding how physics really works on the REALLY small end of the scale, which will indirectly lead to discoveries and inventions/knowledge that can make it seem like pennies...

No, I don't have a better theory but I do know there's something to be said for simplicity and elegance. String theory just keeps adding shit to justify the math without any testable or observable basis. The science fiction fan in me is excited, the scientist in me is skeptical.

Yeah but all science can ever do is provide the best possible explanation based on the evidence available, which at this point is scant. String theory might very well be proven wrong but you can't just say it is too complicated when so many of the world's foremost physicists are proponents. That's why I laugh at people who point out minor inconsistencies in evolutionary theory and act as if they have made a scientific argument - as if identifying flaws without also proposing a competing theory is scientific discourse. As for observable evidence, this 8 billion dollar tube is a pretty significant step in that direction.

9.2 billion????? Holy freakin cow!!! Is this really THAT important?

Yes.

We're still here at least.

Or are we? Yes we are still here, but where exactly is here? Did our entire existence just get sucked into a black hole to another dimension? Freaky...on on that note...where is the incense?

News - World: Big Bang experiment marred by suicide (http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=3&art_id=nw20080911094052586C108680&set_id=)

Or are we? Yes we are still here, but where exactly is here? Did our entire existence just get sucked into a black hole to another dimension? Freaky...on on that note...where is the incense?

I thought they already blasted it, my bad.

Yes, it is that important. Knowledge is priceless.

Problem is, even after this experiment, it will still be a THEORY. I am all for knowledge, hell I have been vocal about NASA support, but I am not so sure I agree with this. I don't see how this will matter. So please someone fill me in on how or why this is important other than saying "knowledge". What exactly are we trying to prove that we don't already have a theory for?