May 2021 Auction Ends Thursday, May 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2021
Important object in the history of mankind, graphite from CP-1 (Chicago Pile 1), the first nuclear energy reactor which launched the first successful atomic energy experiment, giving life to the nuclear age. Enrico Fermi conducted the experiment on 2 December 1942 at the University of Chicago, reaching critical mass for a self-sustaining reaction at 3:25 pm, and lasting for 28 minutes. After the experiment, a coded message was relayed to James Conant, Chairman of the National Defense Research Committee, and the Manhattan Project was underway, leading to the creation of atomic energy bombs less than three years later. Stick of graphite measures 3'' x .75'' .75'', encased in a lucite block measuring 3.75'' x 2.625'' x 1.5'', one of a small number given to University of Chicago alumni donors. Block is accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance from Daniel Carlsen, who obtained the sample during his work at the University of Chicago Printing Department in the late 1970s. Other examples are housed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and at the Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos. A very rare and important piece of the first nuclear energy reactor that changed the course of history.
Graphite From CP-1, the First Nuclear Reactor, Used by Enrico Fermi in 1942 to Launch the First Atomic Energy Reaction -- The Birth of the Nuclear Age
Click above for larger image.