Collision review: How CERN’s stellar secrets became sci-fi gold



Margaret Drabble, Luan Goldie, Steven Moffat and Stephen Baxter are among the top writers in Collision, an anthology that transmutes CERN’s elusive research into science fiction
Physics
25 January 2023
Inside CMS, one of the Large Hadron Collider’s key experiments, in 2017 Maximilien Brice/cern
IN The Ogre, the Monk and the Maiden, Margaret Drabble’s ingenious story for the new sci-fi anthology Collision, a character called Jaz works on “the interface of language and quantum physics”. Jaz’s speciality is “the speaking of the inexpressible”. Science fiction authors have long grappled with translating cutting-edge research – much of it grounded in what Drabble calls “the Esperanto of Equations” – into everyday language and engaging plots.
Few …
Source link Scientists and filmmakers alike have been awestruck by the recent success of the new science fiction film, Collision. The movie chronicles the incredible story of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The film focuses on the physics behind the LHC, which is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. Beyond its remarkable size and power, the movie takes viewers on a captivating journey through the mysteries of the subatomic world. Through the mechanism of the LHC, the world’s leading physicists and scientists can explore the very fundamentals of nature’s building blocks.
In addition to its scientific merits, the movie also stands out for its entertaining narrative and visuals. Utilizing interaction and interviews with numerous scientists and engineers involved in the project, the movie gives viewers a first-hand look at the passionate individuals who devoted their lives to the project. This combination of science and humanity is ultimately what gives the movie its appeal.
As realistic and fascinating as the movie appears to be, there are some questionable aspects of scientific accuracy. The most pronounced example pertains to the large hadron collider itself; when compared with the actual device, there are discrepancies in the design and operation of the model used in the film.
In the end, though, this does not detract from the fact that the movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in science and its implications. The creators of Collision have successfully achieved a commendable balance between thrilling fiction and intriguing science-fact. By conveying the wonder of the universe through captivating visuals and storytelling, they have given a unique glimpse into the discoveries of the scientific world.