During the hydrogen bomb’s development, scientists worried the blast might be powerful enough to set off a runaway chain reaction.rnrnSuch a phenomenon could ignite a global explosion, destroying all life on Earth. Officials with the Manhattan project – America’s undercover operation to build nuclear weapons – employed Gregory Breit to ensure the atomic bomb’s obliteration wouldn’t extend beyond its intended target.rnrnThe Russian scientist was already well-versed in the physics of Earth’s atmosphere, having discovered the ionosphere earlier in his career. The atmospheric layer, located about 50 miles above the Earth’s surface, contains densely-arranged ions and electrons that are capable of reflecting radio signals. Breit’s calculations eased minds, proving that a runaway reaction from the H-bomb was unlikely.rnrnThrough his research, he also co-developed the resonance theory of nuclear reactions, which states that every object has different vibration frequencies. The principle later helped the Navy develop radar and sonar to spot undersea mines.

Coffee Break with Shirley Ann Jackson
Five questions for Shirley Ann Jackson from MIT students…