Project Trinity, 1945-1946

"Project Trinity, 1945-1946" by Carl R. Maag chronicles the first atmospheric nuclear weapons test by the United States in the mid 1940's. It depicts the elaborate planning, execution, and aftermath of Project Trinity, that occurred at the Alamogordo Bombing Range in July 1945. The book highlights the blend of scientific progress and military strategy that marked this important time in nuclear history, detailing the large-scale organization of military and civilian personnel, which included approximately 1,000 participants, the meticulous preparations before the detonation showcasing key figures like Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer and Major General Leslie Groves, the nuclear explosion itself, and the subsequent monitoring for radiation. The book also reviews the diagnostic experiments used to analyze the nuclear blast and the safety procedures and data collected on radiation exposure, capturing the depth and impact of the project on nuclear weapon development.