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Higgs Discovery: Implications for Particle Physics - 2 Nov. 2012

The LHC has recently discovered a Higgs-like resonance with a mass of about 125 GeV. It may be the missing element of the so-called Standard Model of particle physics. This model was proposed a few decades ago, and, after the inclusion of neutrino masses, describes in an accurate way all measured observables not involving gravity. We shall discuss what are the possible implications of the Higgs Discovery for particle physics and, in particular, for theoretical and experimental physics High Energy Physics in the coming years.

Watching the Transit of Venus at UK Arboretum

Stargazing is typically reserved for after sundown, but what if you want to look at the biggest star in the sky? On June 5th, 2012, the planet Venus was visible by day – traveling in front of the sun! This is called the Transit of Venus, and is a rare astronomical event. A few hundred people gathered at the UK Arboretum to view the transit of Venus through special telescopes that allow safe observation of solar activity.

Dean's Channel: Mike Cavagnero Helps Students Measure Science

Mike Cavagnero, the Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, was one of the initial faculty members to teach a class in A&S Wired in Fall of 2011 titled Measuring Science. He talks about the course and the power of using the iPad in the classroom. You can also view a video on the final projects the class did: vimeo.com/35279096 This is part one of a two-part Dean's Channel interview with Mike Cavagnero. Part two is here - vimeo.com/35011430

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