The most important scientific experiment in recent history starts officially on Wednesday morning when the biggest particle accelerator ever built becomes operational. Its purpose is to recreate what happened immediately after the Big Bang and thus help scientists to better understand universal processes. But the events involving the huge LHC particle accelerator today are just the start of a long period of collosal scientific efforts due to continue for years to come.

UPDATE:

The first data collected showed that the first stream of subatomic particles were fired into the tunnel. After an hour or so, the circuit had been completed, which was the main objective on the agenda for the first day.

This was a highly expected moment, and all experts present applauded as the computer screens confirmed that the circuit was done.

UPDATE 2: The second stream of particles was injected to run in the opposite direction. The first blast among protons is expected in several weeks.

What happens today:

In the morning, at 9.00 Geneva time, a quick planning session takes place at the European center for nuclear research (CERN), to be followed half an hour later by the injection of a first particle beam into the LHC accelerator. The event can be followed live at http://webcast.cern.ch/Scientists, engineers and even Nobel laureates are expected to make regular briefings and hold Q&A sessions throughout the dayThe purpose of the first day of the experiment is that the first particle beam fully circles the accelerator. Armies of experts will try to make sure everything goes fine as malfunctions can occur, given the complexity of the system What will come next:

After a first evaluation of this phase, another beam will be injected in reverse direction into the accelerator. This may happen in a few days timeCERN representa