PBS Space Time PBS Space Time

Can Future Colliders Break the Standard Model?

Sep 14, 2026 · 23m

Summary

This episode explores the history and future of particle colliders, from early linear accelerators to the Large Hadron Collider. It details the search for physics beyond the Standard Model, including the absence of supersymmetry, and evaluates ambitious projects like the Future Circular Collider and the Electron-Ion Collider. The discussion covers the potential of these machines to probe new energy scales and resolve fundamental questions about the universe.

Topics discussed

Sponsorships and introduction to particle physics The Future Circular Collider and the quest for new physics History of particle accelerators: Linacs and cyclotrons The invention of the particle storage ring and first colliders Proton colliders: CERN ISR and the Tevatron The Large Hadron Collider and the discovery of the Higgs boson Supersymmetry and the hierarchy problem Limitations of the Standard Model and need for higher energies Sponsorship break High-Luminosity LHC upgrades and timeline Future Circular Collider: Higgs factory and proton collisions US collider plans: Fermilab and the Electron-Ion Collider Sponsorship break The value of fundamental physics research Patreon shoutouts and space filming logistics Q&A: Merging black holes and event horizons Q&A: Chandrasekhar limit and white dwarf collisions Q&A: Sound quality in space and green screen tech Sponsorships: Anthropic and Uber Eats
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