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Image of the week

2nd central solenoid module on its way

A second module for the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ central solenoid, the "most powerful magnet in the world," is on its way to ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ.

The 110-tonne module is one of the three "lower modules" of the six-module central solenoid. It is seen here as it is about to cross the inland sea Étang de Berre aboard a specially designed barge. The load is expected at ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ on Thursday 14 October.

Procured by US ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ and manufactured by General Atomics in San Diego, California, the 110-tonne element was transported by road to Houston, Texas, and loaded on an ocean-faring vessel on 17 September 2021.

The load was received in France at Fos-sur-Mer harbour on 6 October, placed on a trailer, and brought aboard a barge to cross the inland sea Étang de Berre.

The superconducting magnet will now travel by convoy across Provence on the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Itinerary before passing through the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ gates on Thursday 14 October—just one month after the first module reached the construction site on 9 September.

The tall central solenoid magnet—18 metres in height, 1,000 tonnes—will be assembled at ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ from six individual modules and a strong supporting structure.