Short Wave Seen Any Nazi Uranium? Researchers Want To Know
Mar 31, 2020
Join Geoff Brumfiel, NPR science correspondent, as he uncovers the intriguing tale of Nazi Germany's pursuit of nuclear power during World War II. He reveals the dramatic discovery of a uranium cube that nearly faded into obscurity. Explore the scientific ambitions of figures like Werner Heisenberg and the intense rivalries that fueled their efforts. The narrative contrasts Germany's ambitions with the U.S. Manhattan Project, shedding light on the race against time to harness nuclear technology.
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Mysterious Uranium Cube
- Physicist Timothy Koeth received a call from a friend who wanted to show him something.
- The friend revealed a uranium cube wrapped in a note saying, "Gift of Nininger, a piece of uranium from the reactor Hitler tried to build."
Nazi Nuclear Program
- The cube was a piece of Nazi Germany's attempt to build a nuclear reactor during World War II.
- Led by Werner Heisenberg, they aimed for nuclear power, not a bomb, using 664 uranium cubes in their B-8 reactor.
Collaboration vs. Competition
- Germany had enough uranium for a working reactor, but their program was decentralized, unlike the US Manhattan Project.
- This lack of collaboration hindered their progress, highlighting the importance of centralized efforts for large-scale scientific endeavors.