Nuclear Reactions—1942: A Historic Breakthrough, an Uncertain Future

NOTES ON THE PERFORMANCE: "Meditation on CP-1" emerges from a series of workshops led by dance artist Emily Coates and particle physicist Young-Kee Kim for students and staff from the University of Chicago. Sponsored by the Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry and the Division of Physical Sciences, we devoted six meetings this fall to exploring the materials, means, and critical questions of creating performance in relation to science, using as our focal point the nuclear physics and history of Chicago Pile-1 and its aftereffects. Drawn from the sciences, humanities, performing arts and visual arts, workshop participants actively engaged inthe creative process by generating material through guided choreographic prompts and group discussion. Young-Kee Kim led the inquiry into physics. Guest speakers Robert Rosner and Norma Field contributed additional scientific and cultural history. Emily Coates led the movement work and directed the final performance. Andrew Bearnot served as teaching ass

Ernest J. Moniz, former US Secretary of Energy, delivers remarks during UChicago’s commemoration of the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. ➡ Subscribe: About #UChicago: Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has been a destination for rigorous inquiry and field-defining research.This transformative academic experience empowers students and scholarsto challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. #UChicago on the Web: Home: News: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: University of Chicago on YouTube: /uchicago *** ACCESSIBILITY: If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please email digicomm@uchicago.edu.

Augusta Read Thomas debuts her composition “Plea for Peace”, commissioned for UChicago’s quarter-long commemoration of the achievement of the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Original Composition: Augusta Read Thomas Singer: Jessica Aszodi Read more about "Plea for Peace": ➡ Subscribe: About #UChicago: Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has been a destination for rigorous inquiry and field-defining research.This transformative academic experience empowers students and scholarsto challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. #UChicago on the Web: Home: News: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: University of Chicago on YouTube: /uchicago *** ACCESSIBILITY: If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please email digicomm@uchicago.edu.

William Lanouette delivers Richard Rhodes’ keynote address at “Reactions: New Perspectives on Our Nuclear Legacy”. This event culminates “Nuclear Reactions—1942: A Historic Breakthrough, an Uncertain Future”, a quarter-long series of events commemorating the achievement of the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction at the University of Chicago. ➡ Subscribe: About #UChicago: Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has been a destination for rigorous inquiry and field-defining research.This transformative academic experience empowers students and scholarsto challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. #UChicago on the Web: Home: News: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: University of Chicago on YouTube: /uchicago *** ACCESSIBILITY: If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please email digicomm@uchicago.edu.

Prof. Augusta Read Thomas' composition commemorating the first nuclear chain reaction and its legacy, ‘Plea for Peace,’ will premiere Friday, Dec. 1 at Mandel Hall as part of a two-day symposium entitled “Reactions: New Perspectives on Our Nuclear Legacy.” Musicians: Jessica Aszodi, Soprano, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Musicians: Yuan-Qing Yu and Ni Mei, Violins; WeiJing Wang, Viola; and Ken Olsen, Cello ➡ Subscribe: About #UChicago: Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has been a destination for rigorous inquiry and field-defining research.This transformative academic experience empowers students and scholarsto challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. #UChicago on the Web: Home: News: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: University of Chicago on YouTube: /uchicago *** ACCESSIBILITY: If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please email digicomm@uchicago.edu.

Scholars discuss the scientists at the University of Chicago who, on Dec. 2, 1942, achieved the first self-sustained nuclear chain reaction—as well as the implications of the historic experiment. ➡ Subscribe: About #UChicago: Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has been a destination for rigorous inquiry and field-defining research.This transformative academic experience empowers students and scholarsto challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. #UChicago on the Web: Home: News: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: University of Chicago on YouTube: /uchicago *** ACCESSIBILITY: If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please email digicomm@uchicago.edu.

In 1942, Ted Petry was a teenager recruited to a secret government project at the University of Chicago that sought to achieve the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Working with scientists including Enrico Fermi, he helped construct the 20-foot reactor known as Chicago Pile-1 and was present on Dec. 2, 1942 for the historic experiment. Now 93, Petry is the last known living person present that day under the west stands of Stagg Field—and who signed the straw wrapper of a Chianti bottle commemorating the achievement. ➡ Subscribe: About #UChicago: Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has been a destination for rigorous inquiry and field-defining research.This transformative academic experience empowers students and scholarsto challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. #UChicago on the Web: Home: News: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: University of Chicago on YouTube: /uchicago *** ACCESSIBILITY: If you experience any technical diff

On December 2, 1942, scientists at UChicago achieved the fist controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. On December 1, 2017, UChicago scholars and distinguished guests participated in discussions centered around the complex legacy of what transpired that day. This event in Mandel Hall, mere steps away from the site of the reaction, was the culmination of “Nuclear Reactions—1942: A Historic Breakthrough, an Uncertain Future”, a quarter-long commemoration of of the reaction upon its 75th anniversary. ➡ Subscribe: About #UChicago: Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has been a destination for rigorous inquiry and field-defining research.This transformative academic experience empowers students and scholarsto challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. #UChicago on the Web: Home: News: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: University of Chicago on YouTube: /uchicago *** ACCESSIBILITY: If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or woul

Pyrotechnic artwork of artist Cai-Guo-Qiang at the University of Chicago commemorates the 75th anniversary of the first nuclear reaction. ➡ Subscribe: About #UChicago: Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has been a destination for rigorous inquiry and field-defining research.This transformative academic experience empowers students and scholarsto challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. #UChicago on the Web: Home: News: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: University of Chicago on YouTube: /uchicago *** ACCESSIBILITY: If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please email digicomm@uchicago.edu.

The first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction (Chicago Pile 1, "CP1") occurred on December 2, 1942 at the University of Chicago. Seventy-five years after the dawn of the Atomic Age, scholars illustrate the complex legacy of nuclear energy and the discovery that profoundly changed warfare, science, medicine, energy, and geopolitical relationships. ➡ Subscribe: About #UChicago: Since its founding in 1890, the University of Chicago has been a destination for rigorous inquiry and field-defining research.This transformative academic experience empowers students and scholarsto challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. #UChicago on the Web: Home: News: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: University of Chicago on YouTube: /uchicago *** ACCESSIBILITY: If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please email digicomm@uchicago.edu.