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IIRC, when atomic bombs were first tested, there was some moderately compelling theorizing that they would set the entire planet's atmosphere on fire. That's a
by egypturnash 5y ago
IIRC, when atomic bombs were first tested, there was some moderately compelling theorizing that they would set the entire planet's atmosphere on fire.
That's a black ball.
- Nadya 5y ago>there was some moderately compelling theorizing that they would set the entire planet's atmosphere on fire. A very popular story but it was also primarily 1 of the 8 scientists working on the Manhattan project and only because he hadn't had all the math showing how incredibly unlikely it would be shared with him. It was already a settled "No, not going to happen." before the first test was conducted. The story ends up being a popular soundbite but with no real teeth on it. [0] [0] https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/bethe-teller-trinity-and-the-end-of-earth/ https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/bethe-telle...
- ALittleLight 5y agoI think the idea is, if the math had worked out the opposite way, then nuclear tech would be a black ball. If there was a bomb we could make and if it went off it would ignite the atmosphere and kill everyone - that would be a black ball.