7 Reasons to Visit the World’s Biggest Particle Accelerator in Geneva.

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Geneva is a city famed for its magnificent location on the shores of Lake Geneva on the French and Swiss border. It is also renowned for being the second-largest office of the United Nations and is nicknamed the “capital of peace.” Tucked in the countryside beyond Lake Geneva Resorts — and you can find many on venere.com —is CERN, the world’s largest particle accelerator.

Scientists at CERN are able to accelerate the universe’s tiniest particles to nearly the speed of light. Physicists from over 50 countries are involved in ongoing research at CERN, their discoveries likely to change the future of physics. Their endeavors occur deep underground in a circular tunnel over 17 miles long. The accelerator is actually the largest machine on Earth of any kind. It has been dubbed the “world’s largest microscope” for its ability to glimpse into the workings of the tiniest particles in our universe.

Scientific breakthroughs are common at CERN, and so are tourists. Why should you visit CERN? The reasons are enticing to scientists and laymen alike. Here are seven reasons CERN captivates the attention of visitors from all over the world.

Photo by PSD via Flickr.

The World Wide Web Was Born at CERN

While working at CERN in 1989, British scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the concept that would eventually become the World Wide Web. In fact, the world’s first website and Web server were both created at the CERN laboratories. Berners-Lee’s original idea to use a browser to read and share documents over a server seems to have caught on quite nicely.

A Very “Particular” Museum

Inside CERN’s iconic wooden dome is a unique museum. The “Universe of Particles” is one enormous exhibit that immerses the visitor in a three-dimensional scene that simulates the interior of an atom. This permanent installation invites visitors inside the world of the tiny particles that possibly hold keys to the greatest mysteries of science. By walking among the exhibits, luminous spheres and other visually spectacular displays, visitors get a sense of the strange realms that exist right under our nose. As part of CERN’s dedication to public education, the museum is free of charge.

An Underground Cathedral

The massive underground chamber that houses CERN’s main accelerator has become a pilgrimage site for physicists. The construction features sheeted panels of bronze, silver and gold. Described as a kind of ultramodern cathedral, CERN’s chambers can be viewed as part of its regular tour schedule. It’s no wonder the building is impressive, considering it has already cost over $10 billion to create.

Scientific Streets

The streets surrounding CERN are rich with photo opportunities. Visitors can have their picture taken at the corner of Einstein and Oppenheimer. Streets are also named Isaac Newton, Democritus and a long list of famous physicists.

Wine and Dine

Shrouded in the Swiss mists near CERN are some of the country’s finest vineyards. CERN’s location in the foothills of the Jura Mountains makes it an ideal climate to grow grapes. Near the scientific marvels, you can tour and attend tastings at boutique vineyards.

The CERN property includes three cafeteria-style restaurants. Its “Restaurant 1” is open to the public and showcases a series of underground tropical aquariums. The restaurant offers fresh, local fare. Later, you can claim you ate lunch inside the world’s most advanced piece of scientific equipment.

Atoms Inspire Art

“Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”  So said Albert Einstein. His idea is at the root of CERN’s artist residency program, Collide. Artists from hundreds of countries have visited CERN through the Collide program to garner inspiration and to collaborate with scientists on their work. CERN has ensured art and science can continue to “collide,” thanks to its extensive reach into arts programs worldwide.

Witness a Breakthrough

While you visit CERN, its scientists are underground, feverishly crunching data. The data created by the experiments there can fill over 100,000 double-sided DVDs a year, making it the largest scientific project in the history of mankind. The sheer volume of the data allows for frequent “firsts” — breakthroughs in scientific knowledge. Chances are, at least one major breakthrough could occur during your time visiting CERN.

About the Author: Louise Vinciguerra is a fantastic joke teller, has a million and one hobbies, and enjoys matching her fonts with her moods. This Brooklyn native dirties her hands in content on weekdays and as a devout nature lover, dirties them in soil on the weekends. When she’s not on Facebook, WordPress or Twitter, she’s traveling in search of fun food, dabbling in urban farming or planning nature trips from her resident city of Rome. When she’s not doing any of the above, she sleeps.

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