Satellite launch

Excellent look at the whole process of assembling the satellite launcher and launching. Features the space centre in French Guiana. A 1 hour program.

The Higgs particle

The more-or-less confirmed discovery of the Higgs particle must be noted as it is of major significance to Physics. See BBC reports here and here. While this development is not a surprise it provides major confirmation of the standard theory of matter (in terms of sub-atomic particles anyway), provides new insights and will lead to new progress in the years to come.

It might be compared somewhat with Rutherford's experiment which confirmed the existence of the atomic nucleus and stimulated many further developments.

I will not attempt to explain what the Higgs particle is - try the above reports for that. But be warned that there is no simple description!