Magnetic Monopoles

If you have never seen a magnetic monopole, do not feel bad--no one else has either.

Physicists have had considerable success predicting the existence of unknown subatomic particles on the basis of analogy and symmetry. The knowledge that there is a fundamental electric charge, carried by an electron, led to the postulation of a fundamental magnetic charge--the monopole.

Searches for magnetic monopoles have been generally unsuccessful. They have been sought in cosmic rays, iron ore, meteorites, ocean sediment and lunar rock. Recently teams of scientists at the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Houston announced the discovery of a magnetic monopole in cosmic rays.

The announcement is being met with proper scientific skepticism; only time will tell. If monopoles exist, certain theories will have to be altered, but this will affect no one's everyday life in any predictable way. This discussion is in response to an inquiry from Mrs. Gerald Olson.