The standard model of particle physics cannot explain dark matter and dark energy, which make up 95 percent of the universe.
NASA, ESA, CSA, J. DePasquale (STScI)
In 1973, physicist Steven Weinberg gave a lecture in Aix-en-Provence, France. According to Weinberg, it was there that he first used the term “Standard Model” to describe an early description of the fundamental building blocks of the universe and their interactions. Now, 50 years later, the Standard Model of particle physics is an astonishingly accurate depiction of what everything is made of and how everything works to create reality.
Practically everything, anyway. Because while the 50th anniversary is well worth celebrating, we cannot ignore the fact that the theory is incomplete. This does not explain gravity or why there is so much matter and so little antimatter in the universe. And it says nothing about so-called dark matter and dark energy, which are hypothesized to explain why the universe behaves a certain way.
This is why physicists are searching for clues that could lead to better theories. But which, if any, are upgrades to the standard model? How do you find the deluxe edition? Six of today’s leading physicists speak to us to see if we can finally get a more complete picture of reality. Ask them to explain how they think they can discover it.
Collision on the energy frontier
john butterworth
university of london
It’s always dangerous to bet against the standard model of particle physics. Historically, most of those people lose. But for the next decade and a half, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will continue.