Scientists are calling the first tests of their new atomic particle collider a success.

The physicist, subscribers to the big bang theory, hope the machine will mimic the moment just after the universe was created.

The device fires atomic particles at blazing speeds through a 17-mile underground tunnel located in Europe.

Some critics fear the collision of particles could make small black holes that could endanger the Earth and other stars.

Supporters, however, call that idea nonsense. They say the only danger is that the beam might lose control at full power and possibly damage the accelerator.

"On Wednesday we start small," said James Gillies, chief spokesman for the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

"A really good result would be to have the other beam going around, too, because once you've got a beam around once in both directions you know that there is no show-stopper," he said.

They describe the project as the biggest physics experiment in history.

Source: CBN News, The Associated Press