A Crash Heard Around the World

Physics rivals race each other in a search for the field's future

By RICHARD MONASTERSKY

Batavia, Ill.

With the first snow of the season falling on the outskirts of Chicago, a gaggle of geese raises a honking racket overhead, as if to urge all creatures: "Head south, ye with any sense."

But while the birds are beating an exit, physicists from around the world are starting to...