Magnets all Tested Out

So we have successfully tested the LHC. Which means that, contrary to popular opinion, we did not suffer a magnet failure. Or at least not one at the current injection energy, which is rather low.

Now the question is whether we will be able to get A) collisions, and B) full energy, without destroying the detectors. There are already a set of nasty rumors circulating about parts which may or may not be in place for the 2008 run. I don't want to speculate too much.

ISS in Trouble

In other physics related new, the International Space Station is now officially screwed. Apparently, due to a bit of a funding problem, the Space Shuttle is due to be retired in 2010. Our new spaceplane won't be ready until 2015. Our only chance of getting to the ISS between now and then is to borrow some of the Russian Soyuz capsules. However, given the current state of relations between our two countries, you can bet that we're not going to be seeing that anytime soon. So the US may be out of the ISS.

NASA, predictably, is throwing a fit. Meanwhile, experimental particle physicists, who hate the ISS with a passion, are snickering in their offices.