[Leica] RETROSPECT2

[Bill Clough]

USA
TEXAS
VICTORIA

Hi there –

On Dec. 10, 1961, the Atomic Energy Commission, under the direction of Dr.
Edward Teller, detonated a nuclear “device” a quarter of a mile beneath the
salt flats of southeastern New Mexico, ostensibly for peaceful purposes
(although the test also included a new design of trigger for weapons of
war).

The idea was to create an sphere of steam to power a generator to produce
electrical power .

Things did not go well. The explosion was supposed to seal itself off, but
radioactive vapor began escaping from the shaft. Because of geography and
the prevailing winds, the radioactive cloud crossed the highway – the only
route to Carlsbad, trapping the entire world’s press.

Tempers began to escalate as reporters watched  teir deadline approach and
pass.

In order to placate the press, Teller held an impromptu news conference.
One of the reporters was an obnoxious science writer from the San Francisco
Chronicle. He was wearing a bright red Strategic Air Command cap and was
upset because he wanted to go down and visit the shaft,

“Dr. Teller,” he asked, “You won’t let us drive back to Carlsbad and you
won’t let us visit the shaft. Can you, at least, tell us what kind of vapor
is leaking from that shaft?”

Teller raised his binoculars and carefully studied the shaft. He then
turned to address the press.

“Vite vapor.”


http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/Bill1941/RETROSPECT/edwardtelleratnome1961_00051.jpg.html


–Bill