On this day, Nov. 1, 1952, the US detonated the world's first thermonuclear device, the Hydrogen Bomb, on Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands. It detonated with a yield of 10.4 million tons of TNT, the largest explosion ever witnessed by man, causing the island of Elugelab to disappear! Within a year, the Soviets also detonated their first H-Bomb. The Arms Race was in high gear! (This photo is from an underwater A-Bomb test in 1946), generating a mere 20,000 tons of TNT.) Hal
When Edward Teller was asked why he created such a monster, his reply was that if he had not, someone else would have. I believe that to be true. Back in the day, I dated a nuclear physicist who worked with Einstein and he told me the atom bomb was nothing compared to what was to come. Sent shivers down my spine.
Right, Lois...if fact, it required an Atom Bomb just to provide the trigger to start the thermonuclear reaction within the H-Bomb! When Teller joined the Manhattan Project, he told Oppenheimer that he wanted to work on something more advanced than nuclear fission, and would resign if not allowed to do so. Hal
Hal, I have always been conflicted about this nuclear business. For the good of mankind, yes, but.................... I can see the pros and cons over having dropped the A-Bomb on Japan. Lord knows, I wouldn't have wanted to have had to make such a decision. Nor would I have wished to be a member of the teams delivering those devices. Paul Tibbetts who piloted the Enola Gay had a price on his head until the day he died and is even buried where no one except his closest family members know where he lies. With our advances in technology and those who seek to keep up or even surpass us simply have brought us to a very restive world indeed. Sad, for it could be so much more fun without the envy and hatred spewed about today. Edward Teller, Oppenheimer, et al are no heroes to me. Albert Eistein feared nuclear fission like no other, but saw its benefits. An old boyfriend of mine who worked for him knew this as well.
Einstein wrote a memo to FDR advising research into the possibility of an A-Bomb, before Hitler could develop one. Hungarian refugee Physicist Leo Szilard pleaded with Einstein to write the memo. Thomas Ferebee was the Bombardier on the Enola Gay that released the "Little Boy" Uranium bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. Hal
I've always wrestled with that one myself. However, since it was inevitable someone would end up with it, I'm thankful to God it was US as opposed to the others trying. (Again, thanks for deciding to join us!! I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying we look forward to getting to know you!)
That's right, Lois...this technology has been declassified for over 50 years! Any high school student with a good grasp of physics, an available machine shop, and a critical mass of U-235 can build a fission device. I notice that you have recently become a member of this fine Forum...Congratulations and Welcome! Hal
Those low yield suitcases may very well be bombs, but unless they are shielded by lead, that enriched uranium can be detected for many many miles away. And, setting one of them off would be no walk in the park either.
It would be great as it is not dangerous. But, we seem to like fission since it also makes weapons and humans simply cannot resist fighting each other. Crazy. Thorium usage is big in India and China.