Development of the First Hydrogen Bomb (1 nov 1956 anni – 1 nov 1956 anni)

Descrizione:

On November 1st, 1952, the United States detonated the first hydrogen bomb, codenamed "Ivy Mike," at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Introducing a device that was approximately 1,000 times more powerful than conventional atomic bombs marked significant advancements in nuclear weaponry.

The "Ivy Mike" test was part of Operation Ivy and occurred on Elugelab Island within the atoll. The device utilized liquid deuterium as its fusion fuel and a large fission bomb as its trigger. The explosion yielded an energy equivalent to 10.4 megatons of TNT, obliterating Elugelab Island and leaving an underwater crater approximately 1.9 kilometers wide and 50 meters deep.

The development of the hydrogen bomb was set in motion by the Soviet Union's successful detonation of an atomic device in September 1949, prompting the United States to speed up its development of nuclear weaponry. The "Ivy Mike" test provided the U.S. with a temporary advantage in the nuclear arms race.

While the "Ivy Mike" device was too large and complex for practical military use, it demonstrated the possibility of thermonuclear weapons. Subsequent developments led to more compact and practical hydrogen bombs, significantly influencing global military strategies and the Cold War.


Schumann, Anna. “Fact Sheet: Thermonuclear Weapons.” Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, 18 Nov. 2022, armscontrolcenter.org/fact-sheet-thermonuclear-weapons/.

Sullivan, Missy. “United States Tests First Hydrogen Bomb.” HISTORY, 13 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/united-states-tests-first-hydrogen-bomb?

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