Loose Cable Behind CERN Faster-than-light Result
Posted: February 25th, 2012 | Author: Michael Courtenay | Filed under: Science, Science News | Tags: Albert Einstein, CERN, European Organization for Nuclear Research, Fermilab, Gran Sasso Laboratory, Indiana University Professor Alan Kostelecky, Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics, James Gillies Head of Communication, Jenny Thomas, neutrinos, OPERA, sub-atomic particles, Theory of Relativity, University College of Londo | Comments Off
The controversial finding that cast a large shadow of doubt over Einstein’s belief that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light might have been caused by a loose cable, the lab behind the result said. Physicists at the CERN laboratory near Geneva appeared to contradict Albert Einstein last year when they reported that sub-atomic particles called neutrinos could travel fractions of a second faster than light. Einstein had said nothing could travel faster than light.
James Gillies, a spokesman for CERN, said the lab’s startling result was now in doubt. Earlier on Wednesday, the website ScienceInsider reported the surprising result was down to a loose fibre optic cable linking a Global Positioning System satellite receiver to a computer. ScienceInsider is run by the respected American Association for the Advancement of Science. Mr Gillies confirmed a flaw in the GPS system was now suspected as a possible cause for the surprising reading. Gillies’ says further testing was needed before any definite conclusions could be reached. Read the full article »»»»
