Physicists from the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) dark matter detector will announce the experiment?s first results on Wednesday, Oct. 30, during an event at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, S.D. The event is by invitation only because space is limited, but the announcement will be webcast live. See this page the morning of the event for a link to the webcast or go to South Dakota Public Broadcasting's webcast page.
The event will begin promptly at 9 a.m., with a short briefing by Sanford Lab Director Mike Headley. An hour-long science seminar by LUX researchers will follow. They will present data from the experiment?s first run of 60-plus days. The LUX data also will be the first physics results announced at the Sanford Lab, which was built by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority with strong support from the state of South Dakota and a $70 million donation from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. After the seminar, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard will talk about the state?s role in this important physics research. A spokesperson for the proposed next-generation dark matter detector at the Sanford Lab will make a short presentation. Also, a representative from the Department of Energy will make brief remarks.
After the presentations, at about 11:00 a.m., there will be a question-and-answer session for media and members of the invited audience. Media or others listening remotely who want to ask questions during the event can submit questions by email to Bill Harlan or Connie Walter in the Communications Department at the Sanford Lab. If you have questions in advance of the event, contact Harlan or Walter by email or at (605) 722-4025.