Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
First Edition Signed
Rare original vintage Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory photograph of the first mushroom cloud from the Trinity nuclear test, the first detonation of a nuclear weapon. Semi-glossy, black and white photographic print of the first mushroom cloud taken at 100 meters and 4.0 seconds after detonation as the mushroom cloud began to form. Boldly signed by nuclear physicist Robert Bacher in the lower margin at the bottom right corner in blue felt tip, "R. F. Bacher." The photograph was taken by Berlyn Brixner. Brixner (1911-2009) was the head photographer for the 'Trinity' test, the first-ever detonation of a nuclear weapon, on July 16, 1945. Positioned 10,000 yards away from the explosion, he utilized fifty 16mm high-speed cameras at varying film speeds and locations to capture the blast in full motion. His efforts produced over 100,000 images, documenting in detail the raw power of nuclear weaponry and visually marking the dawn of the Atomic Age. In fine condition. Stamped on the verso is, "Photographed by Berlyn Brixner, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory" and "Los Alamos Photographic Laboratory." The piece measures 11 inches by 8.5 inches. Robert Fox Bacher (1905â"2004) was an American nuclear physicist and a key figure in the Manhattan Project, particularly in relation to the Trinity nuclear testâ"the first detonation of a nuclear deviceâ"conducted on July 16, 1945. As head of the experimental physics division at Los Alamos, Bacher played a critical role in resolving technical challenges related to the plutonium implosion bomb, which was ultimately tested at Trinity. Notably, Bacher was one of the few senior scientists who advocated for greater civilian control over atomic energy in the postwar period, distinguishing himself as both a scientific leader and a thoughtful voice in the ethical discussions surrounding nuclear weapons.
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
First Edition Signed
Rare original vintage Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory photograph of the first mushroom cloud from the Trinity nuclear test, the first detonation of a nuclear weapon. Semi-glossy, black and white photographic print of the first mushroom cloud taken at 100 meters and 2.0 seconds after detonation as the mushroom cloud began to form. Boldly signed by nuclear physicist Robert Bacher in the lower margin at the bottom right corner in blue felt tip, "R. F. Bacher." The photograph was taken by Berlyn Brixner. Brixner (1911-2009) was the head photographer for the 'Trinity' test, the first-ever detonation of a nuclear weapon, on July 16, 1945. Positioned 10,000 yards away from the explosion, he utilized fifty 16mm high-speed cameras at varying film speeds and locations to capture the blast in full motion. His efforts produced over 100,000 images, documenting in detail the raw power of nuclear weaponry and visually marking the dawn of the Atomic Age. In fine condition. Stamped on the verso is, "Photographed by Berlyn Brixner, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory" and "Los Alamos Photographic Laboratory." The piece measures 11 inches by 8.5 inches. Robert Fox Bacher (1905â"2004) was an American nuclear physicist and a key figure in the Manhattan Project, particularly in relation to the Trinity nuclear testâ"the first detonation of a nuclear deviceâ"conducted on July 16, 1945. As head of the experimental physics division at Los Alamos, Bacher played a critical role in resolving technical challenges related to the plutonium implosion bomb, which was ultimately tested at Trinity. Notably, Bacher was one of the few senior scientists who advocated for greater civilian control over atomic energy in the postwar period, distinguishing himself as both a scientific leader and a thoughtful voice in the ethical discussions surrounding nuclear weapons.