Slightly to the south of Didcot sits a huge silver UFO shaped building that happens to house the UK’s synchrotron – a special type of particle accelerator that is used to generate a unique form of radiation that can be used to study the internal structure of materials.
In a very simplistic and not entirely correct description – it is a giant x-ray machine.
Public tours are quite rare as they have to turn the machine off to let the public inside, and it is in such high demand, that it runs 24/7 except during maintenance work.
Just been announced that the next chance to visit will be the 3rd September, and you can sign up for pre-registration here.
I’ve been before – my report is here.
Tours are free and will be catnip to any fan of big shiny science.
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