They just don't make them like they used to, and Robert Oppenheimer falls into one of those 'once every few generations' categories. He is best known for his work on the first atomic bomb but he had many more contributions to science both before and after. Quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, theoretical physics, molecular wave functions, and more were his domain and many of his observations still shape how we look at these things today, including neutron stars and my favorite, black holes.
A few years ago I had the pleasure of attending a science lecture in which author Kai Bird spoke at length about Oppenheimer and Bird's book American Prometheus, which is a pretty good read if you get the chance. He also marks the first scientist to sign up with the Thor's Day Heroes.
Dr. Oppenheimer is one of my heroes. What those scientists did and went through is simply amazing. I've read documentaries, watch movies, and just soaked anything i could get about the Manhattan project. My absolute favorite event to study.
ReplyDeleteAfter that fateful day of the first atomic bomb, the face of war, science, and history changed forever. They were the beginning of the nuclear age.
Fun fact, did you know that some of the scientists theorized that the atomic bomb could vaporize the entire planets atmosphere, yet they continued with the experiment anyway?
I love these guys.
Haha, glad we still have our atmo! Glad we're on the same page, for pretty much the same reasons too. Well, that and Rush has a song about the Manhattan Project!
DeleteDang. I was hoping I would be the first scientist to be a Thor's Day Hero
ReplyDeleteHa! Well if you're going to get beat out, it might as well be to none other than Oppie!
Delete