Today, Google Doodle pays tribute to César Lattes, a pioneering Brazilian physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of particle physics. Born on July 11, 1924, Lattes is best known for his discovery of pions, subatomic particles that have a mass 270 times greater than that of an electron.
Lattes’ journey to discovery began when he modified photographic plates to detect cosmic rays on a mountain top. The plates revealed tracks from a previously unknown particle, which Lattes correctly identified as pions. This breakthrough led to a deeper understanding of advanced nuclear forces and earned Lattes’ research team a Nobel Prize in Physics.
Pions, also known as pi mesons, are smaller than atoms and form when space matter collides with Earth’s atmosphere. Lattes’ work showed that some mesons are heavier than others, a finding that significantly advanced the field of elementary particle physics.
Lattes’ contributions extended beyond research. He became a professor at the University of São Paulo and later at the State University of Campinas, inspiring generations of physicists in Brazil and Latin America. His work paved the way for experimental physics in the region and worldwide.
Google Doodle’s animated tribute celebrates Lattes’ legacy, acknowledging his role in shaping our understanding of the universe. As Google Doodle states, “Happy birthday, César Lattes, thank you for paving the way for experimental physics in Latin America and around the world!”
Today, we honor César Lattes’ remarkable achievements, remembering his dedication to science and his impact on the global physics community. His story serves as a reminder of the power of curiosity and innovation, inspiring future generations to explore and discover.
