What will happen to the standard model of astronomy if the Higgs Boson is NOT discovered?

Question

I've read the arguments for, and against, the standard model of the Universe. It seems to me that the entire model of the universe is based off the presumption of the presence of the Higgs Boson, a previously undetected, theoretical particle. If the Higgs Boson is detected, it would validate virtually all theoretical astrophysics for the past 70 years...

But if it isn't, what happens? What if decades down the road the LHC discovers that there is not a single conclusive piece of evidence exists that confirms the existence of Higgs Bosons?

What happens to the Standard Model? Is it tossed on its head? Or does the Standard Model account for any alternatives? Or is the presence of these particles assured?

Thanks to all the science aficionados that answer this question.

Answer 1

Not finding it does not mean it is not there; it simply means we have not found it yet.

But if one was to assume Higgs Boson does not exist, then the standard model would have to be revised and some other mechanism offered to explain how it works. Either that of find an explanation why Higgs cannot be observed.

Science will adapt to new discoveries, as it always has.

Answer 2

If they do not discover the Higgs Boson not much likely will the standard model change.  Scientists will assume that they have made a mistake and unless some substantial evidence comes in to play supporting another theory the model will remain unchanged.

Answer 3

That would be even more exciting than if they find it.

Answer 4

Without the Higgs, some other method for generating apparent mass will be needed. Higgs is the first step is figuring out why particles, and, hence, macroscopic material, have the mass they have. Why does a proton have the mass it does? Know why a particle has mass in the first place is a first step.

The standard model, without a mass generating mechanism, would become a prime candidate for revision, or discard.

HTH

Charles

Answer 5

If they never find it the model stays the same unless they come up with another theory andevidence to support the new theory just because you cant find something due to not having the technology doesn't mean it doesn't exist

Answer 6

Most of the answers so far have it right.  The Higgs could remain undiscovered for 100 years and that wouldn't disprove the Standard Model.  If an experiment shows a result that is not explained by the Standard Model, then it will have to be revised or discarded.  Science will continue to advance by revising and replacing our old standards.