Explained: Higgs boson 'God particle'
Physicists celebrate evidence of particle
Credit: AFP/Getty Images
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) Director-General Rolf-Dieter Heuer smiles at a press conference on July 4, 2012 at European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) offices in Meyrin near Geneva. After a quest spanning nearly half a century, physicists said they had found a new sub-atomic particle consistent with the Higgs boson which is believed to confer mass. Rousing cheers and a standing ovation broke out at the CERN after scientists presented data in their long search for the mysterious particle. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/GettyImages)