The SPS turns 50
Protons, antiprotons, electrons, positrons, oxygen and lead ions… the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) has been juggling particles with ease for the past 50 years. By turns an accelerator, a collider and an injector, this versatile machine has seen generations of scientists pass through its doors, supplied dozens of experiments and given rise to groundbreaking technologies […]
On 8 October 2026, CERN celebrated the 50th anniversary of its second-largest accelerator, the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS). This versatile machine, which has been adept at juggling various forms of particles over the past half-century, has been instrumental in numerous scientific discoveries and advancements.
Initially serving as an accelerator, the SPS later transformed into a collider and an injector, demonstrating its adaptability and importance in the field of particle physics. Over the years, it has hosted a multitude of scientists and experiments, providing a platform for groundbreaking research.
One of the SPS's most celebrated achievements is the discovery of the W and Z bosons in 1983. This monumental finding earned the scientists behind it the Nobel Prize in Physics the following year. The success of this discovery has solidified the SPS's reputation as a crucial player in the advancement of physics.
A new video showcasing the history of CERN's second-largest accelerator was presented at today's symposium marking the golden jubilee of the SPS. The event brought together the CERN community and the general public to celebrate the machine's rich history and its contributions to the field of physics.
Written by urgent.news from CERN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
