Astronomers do not use protons at CERN specifically to probe the structure of the cosmos. CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) is a particle physics laboratory, not an astronomical observatory. Its primary purpose is to conduct experiments that study the fundamental particles and forces of nature.
Protons are used at CERN in particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), to achieve extremely high energies and collide particles together. These collisions allow scientists to investigate the fundamental properties of matter, such as the discovery of new particles or the exploration of the early universe conditions.
While particle physics and astronomy are related fields, they focus on different aspects of the universe. Astronomers primarily study celestial objects, their behavior, and the overall structure and evolution of the universe, using telescopes and observational techniques.
Astronomers employ a variety of tools, such as optical telescopes, radio telescopes, space telescopes, and detectors across different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, to observe and analyze cosmic phenomena. They study objects like stars, galaxies, black holes, and the cosmic microwave background radiation to gain insights into the universe's formation, expansion, and large-scale structures.
While both particle physics and astronomy aim to understand the nature of the universe, their approaches, methodologies, and tools differ. Protons and other subatomic particles are utilized at CERN for the purpose of advancing our knowledge of particle physics, whereas astronomers employ various instruments and telescopes to explore the cosmos.