THE HIGGS BOSON AND YOU OR TALK NERDY TO ME

On July 4, 2012, after a 45-year search, the world learned that the elusive Higgs Boson —the “god particle”— was discovered inside the Large Hadron Collider, the largest machine ever built. Normally calm, quiet, under-stated scientists were shouting and cart-wheeling in celebration all over the world. We are told that future generations will look back and mark this discovery as one of the great landmarks of modern science. But what the heck is the Higgs Boson?! A little science and a lot of metaphor will help you understand this extraordinary event.

Joan Shiels hates math and science. She prefers literature and art. But the study of quantum physics has been one of her major interests for the last 15 years. “We’re all a little quirky,” she says in explanation. “As a non-math and non-science person, I have learned to understand these complex concepts through my favorite devices –metaphor, analogy and story.” Join her for a wild ride through the funky world of quantum mechanics.

Music: Gerri Friedberg, piano
Service Leader: Carol Boyd