My roommate and I were the Ghostbusters, complete with the Ghostbusters patch and our very own “proton packs” (our back packs in garbage bags with buttons colored on) and “proton guns” (our vacuums). Not only are these charged particles used in nuclear physics, but the medical field uses them in proton therapy, which is used to help treat cancer. This does require a high amount of precision though, which begs the question–why do the streams from the proton packs in Ghostbusters look so big and electrifying? Is it just special effects from Columbia Pictures or a real proton pack would work, just with a more precise aim? Who knew a little Halloween fun could lead to deep thoughts on the physics of ghostbusters?