oPAC members collide
The STFC, UK has sponsored the development of an exhibit focussing on the LHC which opened to the public at the Science Museum in London last year. It has now been transferred to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), and was opened to the public in May.
An adults-only evening on 6 June was a way for scientists and researchers in particle and accelerator physics to engage with visitors, demonstrate some science and answer questions on the LHC and accelerators in general.
The event included a roller dance which demonstrated in a fun way how particles can interact, as well as "Standard Model" bracelet making, by threading beads onto elastic to represent up quarks, down quarks and gluons. There were many other practicable science-fact demonstrations from a wide range of people from the CERN physics community.
oPAC members Blaine Lomberg, Emilia Cruz Alaniz and Rita Galan participated in this outreach activity, being available in the Cockcroft Institute stand at the Museum. They had the opportunity to hold a series of conversations (called ‘Collisions’) throughout the night. These conversations covered CERN or particle physics related topics.