Hallway Poll #4: Spend Half-Billion Dollars for Particle Accelerator?

Physics in America is at a crossroads. Humanity stands on the verge of great discoveries about the nature of the universe, and we have to decide if we want to be part of the adventure, a panel of experts told the National Academy of Sciences this month.

If the United States wants to be a player in discovering the nature of matter, we need to ante up $500 million over the next five years to ensure that a giant particle accelerator is built on American soil. If the machine is not built in the US, the panel cautioned, American physicists would be forced to do their research in Europe or Asia. That would strike a blow to American physics that would erode our base of science and technology, endanger our economic and cultural vitality, and undermine our national security.

The cost of hosting a giant particle accelerator is high, proponents say, but forfeiting our leadership position in particle physics would be more costly.

Is the panel right? Is $500 million for a giant particle accelerator on US soil a good investment?

• Yes - 22
• No - 7

Posted May 6, 2006