Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC)

The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) is a large scientific facility in New York that accelerates and collides heavy ions, such as gold nuclei, at near-light speeds. These high-energy collisions create extremely hot and dense conditions similar to those just moments after the Big Bang. Studying these collisions helps scientists understand the fundamental properties of matter, particularly a state called quark-gluon plasma, where quarks and gluons—the building blocks of protons and neutrons—move freely. RHIC's research provides insights into the universe's early moments and the fundamental forces governing matter.