Accidentally Discovering Nuclear Fission
The year is 1935 and Lise Meitner, Otto Hahn, and Fritz Strassmann are working tirelessly to understand which heavy natural elements change under neutron bombardment. Three years later, they had discovered around 10 different half-life activities of natural elements. Soon after, Hahn and Strassman discover 6 more. While bombarding these elements with neutrons, they were […]
Nuclear Bomb Fracking?
You may be surprised to hear that in Colorado, they tried using nuclear bombs for a very unique goal: fracking to extract natural oil and gas. Post World War II, people were eagerly trying to find usefulness for nuclear weapons that did not involve war or killing. This idea was the driving force behind what […]
The World’s First Nuclear Explosion
Let’s talk about the world’s first detonation of a nuclear weapon: Trinity. This test was conducted by the US Army at 5:30 a.m. on July 16, 1945 in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Once detonated, the tower where the atomic bomb sat was completely obliterated into dust. It was a success. The bomb’s success meant a lot for […]
Jane Puckett and the Manhattan Project
We may not often hear stories of women’s roles during the Manhattan Project. One notable woman named Jane Puckett had a great influence on the future atomic bomb. Women were not allowed to enroll in the engineering program at the University of Tennessee in the 1940s, so Jane graduated with a degree in business statistics. […]
Former Energy Workers Book Recommendations
Book Recommendations for Former Energy Workers Many of you have lived through the Manhattan Project or another key event that led nuclear energy to where it is today. There are many books out there that may interest you on the subject, so we have pulled together a few that you can read at the click […]
The World’s Nuclear Reactors
There are almost 450 nuclear power reactors operating in 32 countries, providing about 10% of the world’s electricity. Electricity demand is increasing about twice as fast as overall energy use and is expected to rise by more than half to 2040. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nuclear power reactors generally have high annual […]
Deseret Article Highlights Victims of Radiation
This Deseret article, co-written by CEO & President of UEW, highlights the victims of radiation who have never received compensation. Treatments required to stay alive are out of reach for many victims. Read how many are calling upon Utah Congress to make this right! Read the full article here.
An American Nuclear Energy Betrayal
In 2007 at the East Tennessee Technology Park (formerly known as the K-25 plant) in Oak Ridge, TN, a former janitor betrayed his country. Roy Lynn Oakley was a janitor at the K-25 plant in 2006 and 2007. Oakley contacted the French Embassy to determine the country’s interest in purchasing nuclear goods. He attempted to […]
Eisenhower’s Apology
Race and Reputation During the Cold War arms race, the United States also fought to win the support and friendship of other countries – particularly those in Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, racial prejudice and segregation plagued much of the country. In 1957, Ghanian Finance Minister, Komla Agbeli Gbedemah experienced the racism in America when he […]
The Father of the Atomic Bomb
J. Robert Oppenheimer, an American theoretical physicist, is known by many as the “father of the atomic bomb.” Oppenheimer, born in 1904, was incredibly bright throughout his life. He lectured at the New York Mineralogical Club when he was 12 years old, and he later earned a degree in chemistry from Harvard within three years. […]