5 ms·
This seems to be solid work. First, the group proved that the neutrino speed can be accurately measured in OPERA: http://arxiv.org/abs/1106.2822 http://arxiv.o
by zeratul 15y ago
This seems to be solid work. First, the group proved that the neutrino speed can be accurately measured in OPERA:
http://arxiv.org/abs/1106.2822 http://arxiv.org/abs/1106.2822
http://iopscience.iop.org/1367-2630/13/5/053051 http://iopscience.iop.org/1367-2630/13/5/053051
Second, they compared the neutrino results with light results. Third, they ask to replicate the results in some other environment. This is a normal scientific procedure.
Please also note the number and variety of authors on this work. They will make sure that there is no overstate, understate, secrets, or head scratching.
- hartror 15y agoPhil Plait the Bad Astronomer goes into some of the technical challenges the scientists have to overcome in this experiment in laymen's terms. http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/09/22/faster-than-light-travel-discovered-slow-down-folks/ http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/09/22/fa...
- Groxx 15y agoWow, and he's extremely reserved about the whole thing - usually he's like a cold shower, raining on the press's parade. I like the SN1987A counter-example, though - it does raise a few questions. Not even remotely conclusive, but it makes it more puzzling.
- hartror 15y agoWell normally the press or the PR people representing the scientists blow things all out of proportion. In this case it seems everyone is being pretty reserved and the claims, while extraordinary are already heavily couched in caveats. I am expecting one of two things to happen: a. A systemic error in the measurements, which is most likely IMO. b. a modification of physics similar to how relativity was a modification of Newtonian physics.