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Defining Moments from Nuclear History

Immerse yourself in the incredible moments that changed the world

Discover the pivotal moments that shaped the nuclear age through a curated collection of powerful photographs. This gallery offers a visual journey through the milestones of nuclear history, capturing events that redefined science, geopolitics, and humanity’s understanding of power. From groundbreaking discoveries and first detonations to moments of tension and resilience, these images provide a window into the triumphs and trials of a transformative era. Each photograph invites reflection on the profound impact of nuclear technology, offering a deeper appreciation of its role in shaping our world. Explore this compelling narrative through the lens of history’s most defining nuclear moments.

First medical X-rayWilhelm RöntgenPublic domain

Becquerel plateHenri BecquerelPublic domain

Pierre and Marie Curie – Unknown author – Copyright expired

Hahn and Meitner in 1912 – Unknown author – Public domain

Stagg Field reactor – Melvin A. Miller of the Argonne National Laboratory – Public domain

German Experimental Pile – Mickey Thurgood, U. S. Army photographer assigned to Alsos Mission – Public domain

Trinity – Jumbo brought to site – Federal government of the United States – Public domain

Trinity device readied – Not identified – Public domain

Trinity shot colorJack W. AebyPublic domain

Atomic bombing of JapanGeorge R. Caron & Charles LevyPublic domain

EBR-1 – US Department of Energy – Public domain

First four nuclear lit bulbs – Unknown author – Public domain

Ivy Mike – USDE – Public domain

Atoms for Peace – United Nations – Courtesy of IAEA Imagebank

Nautiluscore – U.S. Navy photo/Released – Public domain

Calder HallENERGY.GOVPublic domain

WindscaleENERGY.GOVPublic domain

Shippingport Reactor – Unknown author – Public domain

International Atomic Energy AgencyIAEA ImagebankCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

Kink instability at Aldermaston – UK Atomic Energy Authority – Public domain

NS Savannah – US Government – NARA – Public Domain

USS Enterprise – USN – Public domain

SNAP-3B – Mound Photography – Public domain

SNAP-10A – Atomics International, contractor to U.S. Atomic Energy Commission – Public domain

Tōkai Nuclear Power PlantENERGY.GOVPublic domain

Treaty for Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons – United States Department of State – Public domain

SNAP-27 – U.S. Federal Government – Public domain

Zion Nuclear Power StationENERGY.GOVPublic domain

Hinkley Point B Power StationRick CrowleyCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

Three Mile Island – United States Department of Energy – Public domain

Superphénix – Yann Forget – CC-BY-SA

Chernobyl DisasterIAEA ImagebankCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

Chernobyl SarcophagusIAEA ImagebankCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

Joint European Torus – EUROfusion – Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

Kashiwazaki-KariwaIAEA ImagebankCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

Fukushima Daiichi – 資源エネルギー庁 – Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

Wylfa – UK government agencies – Open Government Licence v3.0

Chernobyl  New Safe Confinement – Tim Porter – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant IIHullernucCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

HTR-PM – China Huaneng

Kernkraftwerk Isar – E.ON Kernkraft GmbH – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Onkalo Spent Nuclear Fuel RepositorykallernaCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International