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Superconducting Super Collider (SSC)
Where is it?
The Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) was located near the town of Waxahachie, in Ellis County, Texas, about 30 miles south of Dallas. The site was chosen for its geological stability, which made it suitable for the construction of the large underground tunnels needed for the particle accelerator.
What is it?
The Superconducting Super Collider was an ambitious project initiated by the United States Department of Energy in the 1980s. Planned to be the largest and most powerful particle accelerator in the world, the SSC would have had a circumference of 54 miles (87 kilometers), dwarfing the size of the current Large Hadron Collider (LHC) operated by CERN in Switzerland. The SSC aimed to study the fundamental particles of the universe by smashing protons together at unprecedented energy levels. With an energy goal of 20 TeV per proton beam, it was designed to advance knowledge in particle physics, potentially leading to the discovery of new particles and an enhanced understanding of forces like gravity and electromagnetism. Construction began in 1991, but the project faced numerous challenges, including budget overruns and political opposition. By 1993, after spending approximately $2 billion, the U.S. Congress voted to cancel the project due to its escalating cost, which was estimated to exceed $12 billion. At the time of cancellation, about 14 miles (22 kilometers) of tunnel had been dug, and some of the surface buildings had been completed. The SSC remains one of the most significant "what-ifs" in the history of scientific research, as its cancellation shifted the focus of global particle physics research to Europe, where CERN's LHC became the leading facility for high-energy physics experiments.
Best Time to Visit
The SSC site is no longer operational, and its underground tunnels and surface structures have largely been abandoned or repurposed. The tunnels are not accessible to the public, but some surface buildings remain as relics of this grand scientific endeavor. Visitors interested in the site often view it from outside or explore the area as part of a historical or industrial tour.
For those interested in particle physics, a visit to active facilities like Fermilab in Illinois or CERN in Switzerland would be more fulfilling. These locations offer tours, exhibits, and insights into the cutting-edge research being conducted in high-energy physics.
Why Should You Be Interested?
Historical Significance: The SSC represents one of the most ambitious scientific projects ever undertaken in the U.S., reflecting both the potential and challenges of large-scale scientific research.
Scientific Impact: Had it been completed, the SSC might have placed the U.S. at the forefront of particle physics, leading to discoveries that could have transformed our understanding of the universe.
Cautionary Tale: The project's cancellation serves as a case study in the intersection of science, politics, and funding, highlighting the importance of public and political support for large-scale research.
Technological Legacy: The technologies developed during the SSC project contributed to advancements in superconducting magnet technology and engineering that have been applied elsewhere.
Tips for the Trip
Expect Limited Access: Since the SSC site is largely abandoned, there is little to see, and access to the tunnels and other facilities is restricted. Be prepared to view the area from a distance.
Combine with Local Attractions: While in Ellis County, visitors can explore other attractions near Waxahachie, such as its historic downtown area and seasonal events like the Scarborough Renaissance Festival.
Learn About Modern Physics: To gain insight into the type of research the SSC was designed for, visit facilities like Fermilab or attend lectures and events hosted by universities or scientific organizations. Online resources from CERN and other institutions can also provide engaging educational content.
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC)
Where is it?
The 10,000-Year Clock, also known as the Clock of the Long Now, is being built inside a mountain in the Sierra Diablo Mountain Range in West Texas, USA. The location is on private land owned by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, near the small town of Van Horn, approximately 150 miles southeast of El Paso.
What is it?
The 10,000-Year Clock is a monumental project designed to keep time for the next 10,000 years, symbolizing long-term thinking and sustainability. Conceived by the Long Now Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting long-term thinking, the clock is intended to be a statement about humanity’s ability to think beyond immediate needs and plan for the distant future. The clock’s design and construction are feats of engineering and innovation. It is powered by thermal cycles—the difference in temperature between day and night—and is expected to require minimal maintenance over millennia. It will chime once per day, with a unique sequence of chimes that won’t repeat for 10,000 years. Visitors will be able to wind the clock manually to observe its mechanisms in action.
Construction of the clock involves:
A massive, 500-foot-deep shaft drilled into the mountain.
Large-scale gears and mechanisms made from durable materials like stainless steel and titanium to ensure longevity.
An elaborate design to ensure the clock remains operational even after thousands of years of natural wear and environmental changes.
The project is funded primarily by Jeff Bezos, who has contributed tens of millions of dollars to its development.
Best Time to Visit
The 10,000-Year Clock is still under construction, and there is no set completion date. Once it is completed, access is expected to be limited to those who make the trek to the remote site in West Texas. Visiting the clock will likely involve hiking to the mountain and ascending to the installation site, making it suitable for adventurous travelers. When completed, the best time to visit would be during cooler months like October to March, as West Texas can be extremely hot in the summer. Be prepared for remote terrain and limited facilities.
Why Should You Be Interested?
Symbol of Long-Term Thinking: The clock challenges the way we think about time and the future, encouraging humanity to adopt a longer-term perspective on our actions and their consequences.
Engineering Marvel: Its design and construction push the limits of mechanical engineering, with innovations aimed at enduring the passage of thousands of years.
Environmental Awareness: The clock is a reminder of humanity’s relationship with time, nature, and our responsibility to future generations.
Cultural Significance: It aligns with other monumental structures, like the pyramids, as a testament to human ambition and foresight.
Tips for the Trip
Remote Location: The clock is in a very remote area, so plan your trip carefully. Bring adequate supplies, including water, food, and appropriate clothing for hiking.
Guided Access: Once open to the public, check for official visitor guidelines or tours offered by the Long Now Foundation or related organizations.
Respect the Environment: The clock is situated in pristine wilderness; visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the surrounding natural environment.
Combine with Local Attractions: While in West Texas, explore nearby attractions like the McDonald Observatory, Big Bend National Park, or the Guadalupe Mountains National Park for a broader experience of the region.
