On September 10, 2008, the world witnessed a significant moment in scientific history when the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) was powered up for the first time. This monumental event marked the successful firing of the first beam of protons through the collider’s extensive 17-mile underground ring, paving the way for groundbreaking research in particle physics.
The LHC, located near Geneva, Switzerland, was designed to explore fundamental questions about the universe, including the existence of the Higgs boson and the nature of dark matter. Since its launch, the collider has played a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the building blocks of matter and the forces that govern their interactions.
Notable Events on September 10
In addition to the LHC’s activation, several significant historical events have occurred on this date throughout the years. In 1608, John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia, marking a pivotal moment in early American history.
The year 1846 saw the patenting of the sewing machine by Elias Howe, revolutionizing the textile industry. In 1960, Abebe Bikila made history by winning the Olympic marathon in Rome while running barefoot, becoming the first Black African to secure an Olympic gold medal. That same year, Hurricane Donna struck the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm, resulting in 364 fatalities.
Further milestones were observed in 1963 when 20 Black students integrated Alabama public schools after a standoff involving federal authorities and Alabama Governor George C. Wallace. The year 1991 marked the beginning of Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court, which became a defining moment in discussions surrounding sexual harassment, thanks to allegations brought forth by law professor Anita Hill.
Significant Birthdays and Recent Events
Several notable figures celebrate their birthdays on September 10. Jared Diamond, the renowned scientist and author, turns 88. Meanwhile, singer José Feliciano reaches 80, and former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau marks her 77th year.
In recent history, King Charles III was officially proclaimed Britain’s monarch on September 10, 2022, in a ceremony filled with tradition, just two days after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The LHC continues to be a vital instrument for physicists, contributing to our understanding of the universe and inspiring future generations of scientists. As we reflect on the events of September 10, both past and present, the impact of scientific advancements remains profoundly significant, shaping the trajectory of human knowledge.
