Quantum Diaries

OK, so my last update was a little vague because we weren’t allowed to make an announcement before CERN. However, I am now allowed to say that yes, LHC collided protons this evening ! 😀

ALICE caught some of these events, some time around 5pm, and they were reconstructed and put up on the big screen in the control room – after the rising noise of discussions from the sardine-like density of people, as soon as the first collision was seen, a silence fell. Followed by a united awe-struck gasp, followed by lots and lots of cheering. Then the Champagne was popped and the tense atmosphere turned to one of celebration. Every single face was smiling intensely. Even me, as I managed, after a night shift and 25 hours of being awake, to stick around long enough to watch it.

This is a fantastic day for everyone – a historical moment we are all glad we caught. There will be a gathering of photos and as soon as they are on the web I will post the link.

Now, however, after my brief sleep, it is time to return to the control room for a third shift. I can’t wait!

UPDATE, 0:20am:

ALICE has already put some videos on youtube – the visualisation of the first event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlhV7LFjloQ

and a video just after it, showing the atmosphere of the control room:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOJvgatf2VY

I’m the girl with the red cardigan near the back!

Now on with the usual shift leader business 🙂 Things are a little quieter here tonight, and luckily the coffee machine is working again so I think I’ll survive!