Topic: Faster Than The Speed Of Light

[GillE]

The results have yet to be confirmed independently, but CERN reckons it has made neutrinos travel faster than the speed of light.

[Simon]

The comments seem fairly dismissive.

[Clive]

Such particles have been predicted for many years and are known as tachyons.  The fundamental property of tachyons is that they can only travel faster than the speed of light and cannot slow down.  I'm certain Sam can explain it more fully, but meanwhile....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachyon

[sam]

well yeah Tachyons... but still, I'm not sure how you'd detect them. I'm always rather skeptical of this sort of result - I'll have a chat to a few of the particle people I know later...

[Clive]

I think everyone is getting a bit skeptical now Sam.    Perhaps they should have waited until they were more certain before making the announcement.   

[sam]

oh but that's how particle physics rolls these days. disgraceful really.

[GillE]

I like sausage rolls but particle physics rolls smack of a joint venture between Delia Smith, Heston Blumenthal and Brian Cox.  I think I'll wait until Delia brings out her How To Cheat At Particle Physics book.

[Rik]

 

I prefer Nigella, it's bound to include more chocolate.

[Simon]

I just prefer Nigella. 

[Rik]

This is true...