Peter Higgs, the Celebrated Physicist Who Discovered the “God Particle,” Has Passed Away
Beloved physicist Peter Higgs, known for his groundbreaking theory on the existence of the Higgs boson particle, has passed away at the age of 94. Higgs was awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in 2013 for his research conducted since 1964, which demonstrated that the Higgs boson particle plays a vital role in giving mass to other particles and binds the universe together.
A Revolutionary Breakthrough
After a series of experiments, Higgs’ theory was finally confirmed in 2012 at the Large Hadron Collider, a prominent particle physics research facility operated by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). This monumental achievement led to the Nobel Prize being jointly awarded to Peter Higgs and François Englert, a renowned theoretical physicist from Belgium, for their groundbreaking research publication in 1964, which led to the discovery of this new particle.
A Legacy of Excellence
Peter Higgs, a member of the Royal Society of the United Kingdom and recipient of honorary awards, dedicated much of his life to research at the University of Edinburgh. In honor of his contributions, the university has established the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics.
Reflecting on Higgs’ remarkable legacy, Professor Peter Mathieson, the Principal of the University of Edinburgh, expressed, “Peter Higgs was a truly remarkable individual—a gifted scientist whose vision and imagination enriched our collective understanding of the world around us. His pioneering work has inspired countless scientists, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
Farewell to a Giant in Particle Physics
Former head of theoretical physics at CERN, John Ellis, also conveyed deep condolences upon hearing the news. “A giant in the field of particle physics has left us,” said Ellis. “Without his theory, atoms would not exist, and radiation would still be a force as strong as electromagnetism.”
Ellis further emphasized, “His prediction of the existence of the particle that bears his name was profound, and its discovery in 2012 was a moment of pure vindication, confirming his understanding of the workings of the Universe.”
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the institution responsible for awarding the Nobel Prize, stated that at the time of the Higgs boson discovery, the standard model of physics, which serves as the foundation for understanding the universe, relied entirely on “the existence of a special entity: the Higgs particle. This particle arises from invisible fields permeating all empty space around us.”
The Academy further explained, “Even when the Universe appears empty, those fields are still present. Without them, we could not exist, as it is through interaction with this field that particles acquire mass. The theory proposed by Englert and Higgs successfully describes this process.”
An Immortal Scientific Legacy
Peter Higgs may have departed this world, but the enduring scientific legacy he leaves behind is immortal. His contributions to the field of physics and to humanity will continue to inspire generations to come.
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