A joint Fermilab/SLAC publication
Ask Symmetry Cindy Joe
Artwork by Sandbox Studio, Chicago

How to wrangle a particle

By Katie Elyce Jones

Learn some particle accelerator basics from a Fermilab accelerator operator.

How do you keep a particle inside of an accelerator? Fermilab accelerator operator Cindy Joe explains.

Have a burning question about particle physics? Let us know via email or Twitter (using the hashtag #asksymmetry). We might answer you in a future video!

popular on symmetry

Illustration representing properties of light
06/29/21

What is a photon?

The fundamental particle of light is both ordinary and full of surprises.

more on topic
11/01/08

The dark universe debate

Who will be the first to prove the existence of dark matter and dark energy? A particle physicist and an astrophysicist go head to head.

11/01/08

A special recognition

On Sept. 10, scientists at the European laboratory CERN sent the first beam of protons around the Large Hadron Collider.

09/01/08

Neutrino masses

Neutrino masses are extremely difficult to measure. While we know precisely how much an electron weighs, we have little information on the mass of its neutral partner, the electron neutrino.

09/01/08

Bring on the protons

As this issue of symmetry goes to press, the most ambitious physics experiment in history is about to take a major step toward full operation.

09/01/08

Monica Dunford: Physicist bloggers walk a fine line

Ask any physicist: The most common question we hear from family/friends/random strangers in the next seat on the plane is, “What is it, exactly, that you do?” I have even been asked straight up, “H

09/01/08

Diving for zebras

Ben Czaplewski lifts a 30-pound helmet onto his head and lowers himself into a manhole. He disappears without a splash.

View full archive