Large Hadron Collider Photos

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN is an amazing particle accelerator intended to explore the Standard Model by smashing beams of 7 TeV protons. Boston.com has posted a series of CERN's photos of the world's largest accelerator. The LHC is ready to get fired up and tested, but before any collisions can take place the entire collider must be chilled to -271.25 C (-456.25 F). I find myself wondering just how that is going to be accomplished. Keep in mind the circular collider has a diameter of 27 km (17 mi), with a 3.8 m tunnel. It's incredibly beautiful. The photos at Boston.com showcase some of the highlights, but there are even more pictures available at CERN's Press Office.