Today, scientists from the Cern, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, announced they had discovered a subatomic particle consistent with the Higgs boson.
Rolf Heuer, director of the European Center for Nuclear Research, or Cern, said: "I think we have it."
Physicists across Britain have hailed the discovery as a “major breakthrough”, a “triumph” and “truly great moment for science”.
One compared it to Columbus discovering of America, while another used the analogy of the human body, saying the Higgs boson was of equivalent importance to the heart.
Many have now called for Professor Higgs, now 83, to receive a knighthood, and the team who help develop the theory to be awarded the Nobel Prize.
Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor of Physics at the University of Surrey, said: “Of all the people worthy of a knighthood I cannot think of anyone more deserving right now than Peter Higgs.
“His incredible prediction almost half a century ago of the existence of a new particle that bears his name has turned out to be correct and will surely now revolutionise physics. “
Speaking from the conference in Geneva, Gerry Guralnik, one of the six physicists who proposed the idea of the Higgs Boson in 1954, said: "He should be [knighted]. He has made a great contribution to what looks like a great discovery."
Professor Peter Higgs listens to the Cern announcement in Geneva today
Prof Andy Parker, from Cambridge University, said: “Peter Higgs is a real gentleman and a great scientist who is certainly worthy of a knighthood.
http://teakdoor.com/world-news/110165-something-like-higgs-boson-has-been.html
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