Scientists probing the secrets of “dark matter” will soon have a new home in South Dakota. Crews are building a lab in an old goldmine 4,850 feet below ground (picture six Empire State Buildings laid end to end), making it the world’s deepest science lab. Why go so deep? It shields their experiments from interference from cosmic rays bombarding the surface.
Short explanation of why they’re doing it: There is evidence that dark matter, which emits little or no detectible radiation of its own, can account for gravitational forces that have been observed on many astronomical objects. The scientists are hoping their research could reveal the origins of the universe.
Similar Articles:
- It’s Fun to Know: Why the Early Bird Catches the Worm – Why are "early birds" able to feast on earthworms after a rainstorm? Worms usually hate co…
- It’s Fun to Know: Why Wint-O-Green Life Savers Give Off Sparks in the Dark – Next time you buy mints to freshen your breath, give yourself a fun little treat at the same time. W…
- It’s Good to Know: The Explosion Thermometer – The National Physics Laboratory has developed a thermometer that’s nothing like the one your mom use…
- It’s Fun to Know: Beware the Pink Ice – A French company has created a road surface that turns pink when the air temperature drops to near f…
- A Scientific Use for Rubber Duckies – If you see a yellow rubber ducky floating in the ocean, call NASA. 90 rubber ducks were launched ins…
- Can Cellphones Really Give You Cancer? – Some people think Senator Kennedy’s cellphone caused it. He was diagnosed last year with a malignant…
- It’s Fun to Know: About Gold – Decorative gold objects dating from 4,000 B.C. have been found in Bulgaria. This makes it the first …