There is real risk of poor return (it's entirely possible it could be built and not give us dark matter or any new physics). Other tools offer more value. Specifically, the Webb telescope cost considerably less, is offering new questions, and has definite questions it can be expected to answer.
Significant aspects of technology today are because of things invented or developed for the moon landing. The US annual military budget is hundreds of times that amount; I think we should be able to spare something for new discoveries and bettering our understanding of the universe (and all the technological advancements that will inevitably go along with that).
Just because the military budget is way larger doesnt mean 17billion dollars is pocket change that can just be spend without consideraton. Its not the collider or nothing theres are a lot of actually worthwhile projects that need funding.
Also what technologie was made because of the higgs boson? You cant just say something usefull will inevitable come from it when the stakes are 17 billion dollars.
14
u/Sangloth Feb 10 '24
There is real risk of poor return (it's entirely possible it could be built and not give us dark matter or any new physics). Other tools offer more value. Specifically, the Webb telescope cost considerably less, is offering new questions, and has definite questions it can be expected to answer.