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. […]
Einstein’s (small) role in the Manhattan Project
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist. He wasn’t allowed to work on the Manhattan Project because of concerns about him being a security risk due to his birthplace and political ideology, but he did play a role in the steps leading to the project. He was living in the United States in 1939 at […]
From Army Engineer to Director of the Manhattan Project
Leslie groves as Major General Leslie Richard Groves grew up on military bases, as his father was an army chaplain. Naturally, he was drawn to the military, and joined the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1916, when he was 19 years old. He graduated fourth in his class in 1918, […]
The Scale of the Manhattan Project
DC Aromory; Source: Google LIFE image archive. The Magnitude of the Manhattan Project The Manhattan Project is not only a fascinating success story due to its direct result of producing the first nuclear weapons; it was also impressive for its massive scale. The project was a major source of employment, just as the nation was […]
Over 14,000 Tons of Silver Loaned to the Manhattan Project
14,700 tons of silver were loaned by the U.S. Treasury Department. In 1942, the Manhattan Project was loaned 14,700 tons of silver. While the project did not need the silver for funding, its scientists needed this massive loan of precious metal from the U.S. Treasury for research. Although mass amounts of copper would have worked […]
Pain and Sleep
Pain and Sleep Painful conditions, such as arthritis or back pain, affect many senior citizens and former nuclear workers. If you or your loved one is experiencing a chronic condition, it is likely also affecting your sleep. A lack of sleep can negatively affect your physical and mental health, make you prone to injury, and […]
The Scientists of the Manhattan Project
It took the hands and brainpower of many very smart people to develop an atomic superweapon that would help the U.S. secure victory during World War II. Some of the most important characters in this effort were the scientists of the Manhattan Project. Many scientists were involved in the production of each physical part needed […]
“First Lady of Los Alamos”
Dorothy McKibbin visiting the entrance to the Santa Fe office Dorothy McKibbin was the Atomic Secretary during the Manhattan Project. She is the woman who kept the many Manhattan Project’s secrets. She also brought together the technicians, scientists and others involved together in order to work together to bring about their shared goal of creating […]
Ed Westcott
Edward Westcott with his equipment in Oak Ridge, TN James Edward Wescott, nicknamed Ed, was an American photographer. He was the First AEC Government Photographer in Oak Ridge, TN. He is highly revered for his work during the Manhattan Project and the Cold War from 1942 to 1966. Ed used two kinds of cameras to […]
Learn About the Nevada Test Site
Operation Buster-Jangle, the first U.S. nuclear field test conducted with live troops only 6 miles from the blast at the Nevada Test Site. The Nevada Test Site has a dense history that begins on December 18, 1950 when President Harry Truman authorized what was then called the “Nevada Proving Ground.” It wasn’t until 1955 that […]