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2024-09-22 08:21:10

J. Robert Oppenheimer

Physicist and leader of the Manhattan Project
Physicist and leader of the Manhattan Project

J. Robert Oppenheimer was a key figure in the Manhattan Project, leading the development of the atomic bomb. His contributions to theoretical physics and efforts for nuclear control left a lasting impact.

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1869
Discovery of Helium by Pierre Janssen and Joseph Norman Lockyer

Pierre Janssen and Joseph Norman Lockyer discovered helium in 1869 during a solar eclipse, marking the first observation of this element on Earth.

1895
Discovery of X-Rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895, revolutionizing the field of medicine by allowing the visualization of internal structures of the body without invasive procedures.

1896
Radioactivity Discovery by Henri Becquerel

Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity in 1896, paving the way for further research in nuclear physics and the development of radiometric dating techniques.

1904-04-22
Birth of J. Robert Oppenheimer

J. Robert Oppenheimer, an American theoretical and nuclear physicist known as 'the father of the atomic bomb', was born on April 22, 1904. He had a complex personality and made significant contributions to science and politics.

1905
Young Robert Oppenheimer stands with his father Julius

A young Robert Oppenheimer is pictured standing with his father Julius around 1905, showcasing a glimpse into his early life.

1908
Oppenheimer's Birth

J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who led the Manhattan Project during World War II, was born in 1908.

1911-09
Enrollment in Ethical Culture School

At the age of seven, J. Robert Oppenheimer enrolled in the Ethical Culture School founded by Dr. Felix Adler, emphasizing social justice and secular humanism.

1912
Birth of Frank Oppenheimer

Frank Oppenheimer, brother of Robert Oppenheimer, was born in 1912. Like his brother, he also pursued a career in physics.

1921-05-29
Graduation of J. Robert Oppenheimer

J. Robert Oppenheimer graduated on May 29, 1921.

1922-04
Oppenheimer Travels to New Mexico

In the Spring of 1922, Oppenheimer traveled to New Mexico at his father's suggestion to gain strength through outdoor experiences.

1922-09
Robert Oppenheimer visits New Mexico for his health

In 1922, as a teenager, Robert Oppenheimer visited New Mexico for his health. He explored the Sangre de Cristo mountains on horseback and expressed his desire to combine his passion for the Southwest with his love for science.

1923-10
Enrolls in Harvard University

In 1923, Oppenheimer enrolls in Harvard University where he is considered eccentric. He contemplates various career paths including classicist, poet, painter, and eventually settles on chemistry.

1924
J. Robert Oppenheimer Accepted to Study Physics at Cambridge

In 1924, J. Robert Oppenheimer was accepted to study physics at Cambridge. He had to complete a basic laboratory class due to his lack of skill in that department.

1925-05-28
J. Robert Oppenheimer graduates from Ethical Culture School, New York

On May 28, 1925, J. Robert Oppenheimer completes his education at Ethical Culture School in New York. During his senior year at the school, he develops a keen interest in Chemistry.

1925-09-10
J. Robert Oppenheimer travels to England

In September 1925, J. Robert Oppenheimer embarks on a journey to England. The purpose of his travel is not specified in the provided information.

1926-05-10
Oppenheimer travels to Germany

On May 10, 1926, J. Robert Oppenheimer goes to Germany.

1927-01-01
Oppenheimer receives a PhD

On January 1, 1927, J. Robert Oppenheimer is awarded a PhD.

1928
J. Robert Oppenheimer earns his doctorate at the age of 23

J. Robert Oppenheimer, feeling too nervous and high-strung for experimental physics, moves to Germany's University of Göttingen where he finds his niche in theoretical physics. He publishes numerous papers on quantum mechanics and successfully earns his doctorate at the young age of 23.

1929-01-01
Oppenheimer accepts Professorship at University of California

On January 1, 1929, J. Robert Oppenheimer accepts an associate professorship at the University of California upon returning to the United States.

1930
Oppenheimer predicts the existence of the positron

As early as 1930, J. Robert Oppenheimer wrote a paper predicting the existence of the positron, a positively charged electron. His prediction was based on rejecting the idea that the predicted positively charged electrons were protons, leading to the eventual discovery of the positron by Carl David Anderson.

1931
Purchase of Perro Caliente Ranch in New Mexico

In 1931, J. Robert Oppenheimer, with his family's assistance, acquires the Perro Caliente Ranch in New Mexico, near the future site of the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

1933
Oppenheimer's Interest in Hindu Texts

Oppenheimer's interest in mystical and cryptic subjects led him to study classical Hindu texts, including learning Sanskrit in 1933.

1934
Oppenheimer's Political Activism

Starting from 1934, Oppenheimer became increasingly involved in politics and international affairs. He supported German physicists fleeing Nazi Germany, hosted fundraisers for the Spanish Republican cause, and joined committees advocating against the persecution of Jewish scientists.

1935
Oppenheimer and Phillips develop the Oppenheimer-Phillips process

In 1935, J. Robert Oppenheimer and Melba Phillips worked out a theory known as the Oppenheimer-Phillips process to explain the results of artificial radioactivity under bombardment by deuterons. This theory is still relevant in modern physics.

1936-05-10
Oppenheimer promoted to full Professor

On May 10, 1936, J. Robert Oppenheimer is promoted to a full Professor at the University of California.

1937
Inheritance of property after father's death

After the death of his father in 1937, he inherited the property and became wealthy.

1938
Discovery of Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit

In 1938, Oppenheimer, along with Serber, explored the properties of white dwarfs in a paper titled 'On the Stability of Stellar Neutron Cores', leading to the discovery of the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff limit which set a mass limit for stars to remain stable as neutron stars.

1939
J. Robert Oppenheimer meets Kitty

In 1939, J. Robert Oppenheimer met Kitty, who was married at the time. They started a relationship, leading to Kitty getting pregnant in 1940 and a quick divorce to marry Oppenheimer.

1940-11-01
Marriage to Katherine Puening Harrison

On November 1, 1940, J. Robert Oppenheimer married Katherine Puening Harrison, a former Communist Party member and a student at Berkeley.

1941-05-14
Birth of Son

On May 14, 1941, J. Robert Oppenheimer's son was born.

1942-10-08
J. Robert Oppenheimer meets with Gen. Lesley R. Groves

In October 1942, J. Robert Oppenheimer meets with Gen. Lesley R. Groves to discuss becoming the scientific director of what would later be known as the Los Alamos Laboratory. He was appointed to this position shortly after the meeting.

1942-10-15
General Leslie R. Groves asks J. Robert Oppenheimer to head Project Y

In 1942, General Leslie R. Groves requested J. Robert Oppenheimer to lead Project Y, which was intended to be the primary research and design facility for weapon physics.

1942-10-19
Vannevar Bush approves Oppenheimer's appointment for Project Y

Following a meeting with Oppenheimer and General Groves in October 1942, Vannevar Bush sanctioned Oppenheimer's role in Project Y, solidifying his position.

1942-11-16
Selection of Los Alamos, NM mesa for 'Site Y'

In November 1942, General Groves and Oppenheimer visited the Los Alamos mesa in New Mexico and designated it as the location for 'Site Y', a crucial decision for the Manhattan Project.

1942-12-02
J. Robert Oppenheimer appointed as scientific director

On December 2, 1942, J. Robert Oppenheimer is appointed as the scientific director of the Los Alamos Laboratory. This appointment marked a significant step in his involvement in the Manhattan Project.

1943-05-25
Oppenheimer responds to Fermi's proposal

In May 1943, J. Robert Oppenheimer responded to Enrico Fermi's proposal to use radioactive materials to poison German food supplies. Oppenheimer expressed concerns about producing enough strontium without revealing the secret and suggested only attempting a plan if it could poison enough food to kill half a million men.

1943-07-20
Oppenheimer Receives Security Clearance

General Groves directed that Oppenheimer receive a security clearance without delay, emphasizing his essential role in the project despite past associations and lack of a Nobel Prize.

1944-01-04
Death of Tatlock

Tatlock, with whom Oppenheimer had an affair, tragically committed suicide on January 4, 1944, causing deep grief to Oppenheimer.

1944-12-07
Birth of Oppenheimer's second child Katherine

On December 7, 1944, J. Robert Oppenheimer's second child, Katherine, was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

1945-07-16
Trinity Test

The Trinity Test was the first detonation of a nuclear weapon, which took place on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico. This event marked a significant milestone in the development of atomic weapons.

1945-08-06
Atomic Bombings of Japan

Less than three years after General Leslie Groves selected J. Robert Oppenheimer to direct weapons development, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan.

1945-08-09
Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki

On August 9, 1945, the United States dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, causing further devastation and loss of life. This event, following the bombing of Hiroshima, played a crucial role in Japan's decision to surrender and end World War II.

1945-08-17
Oppenheimer sends letter to US Department of Defense about nuclear weapons

On August 17, 1945, J. Robert Oppenheimer sent a letter to the future US Department of Defense highlighting the dangers and ethical concerns regarding nuclear weapons, shortly after the atomic bombings of Japan. He emphasized the importance of preventing future wars to ensure the safety of the nation.

1945-10-16
Resignation as director of Los Alamos Laboratory

In October 1945, Oppenheimer stepped down as the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory, opting to accept a position at CalTech, marking a significant transition in his career.

1946-01-01
Receives the Presidential Medal of Merit

Oppenheimer is honored with the Presidential Medal of Merit in recognition of his contributions.

1946-03-16
Dr. Oppenheimer advocates destruction of American atomic bombs for world peace

In the second issue of the Bulletin, Dr. Oppenheimer proposed the idea of destroying the American stockpile of atomic bombs to achieve world peace. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and trust in preventing atomic warfare.

1946-04-02
Acheson-Lilienthal Report Advocacy

Oppenheimer played a significant role in the Acheson-Lilienthal report, which proposed international control of nuclear weapons.

1947-01-01
Chairman of AEC

On January 1, 1947, Oppenheimer was appointed as the Chairman of the General Advisory Committee of the Atomic Energy Commission.

1947-08-26
Director at Princeton

From August 26, 1947, to May 15, 1966, Oppenheimer served as a director at Princeton University.

1948-11-08
Oppenheimer on Time Magazine Cover

J. Robert Oppenheimer was featured on the cover of Time magazine, reflecting his prominence in the field of nuclear physics.

1949-06-07
Oppenheimer Testifies Before HUAC

On June 7, 1949, J. Robert Oppenheimer testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee, admitting his past associations with the Communist Party USA and revealing that some of his students had also been communists. This testimony led to repercussions for Oppenheimer and others involved.

1950-01-31
Truman orders crash program for hydrogen bomb

In 1950, President Truman initiated a rapid program aimed at constructing the hydrogen bomb, also known as 'the Super'.

1951
Development of the Teller–Ulam design for a hydrogen bomb

In 1951, Edward Teller and Stanislaw Ulam developed the Teller–Ulam design for a hydrogen bomb, which was considered technically feasible. This led to Oppenheimer officially supporting the weapon's development.

1952-08
Oppenheimer, Conant, and DuBridge leaving the GAC

In August 1952, Oppenheimer, James Conant, and Lee DuBridge left the General Advisory Committee (GAC) after Truman declined to reappoint them due to their opposition to the H-bomb development.

1953-11-07
William Borden Accuses J. Robert Oppenheimer

William Borden wrote a letter accusing J. Robert Oppenheimer of being a communist and a security threat to America, leading to President Dwight D. Eisenhower restricting Oppenheimer's government clearance.

1953-12-21
Oppenheimer suspended from AEC

On December 21, 1953, J. Robert Oppenheimer was suspended from the General Advisory Committee of the Atomic Energy Commission due to his alleged communist connections, as many of his family and friends were affiliated with the Communist Party.

1953-12-23
Oppenheimer delivers speech on Atomic Weapons and American Policy

In 1953, J. Robert Oppenheimer delivered a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations and published an article in Foreign Affairs magazine and the Bulletin. He warned about the dangers of nuclear weapons by comparing the situation to two scorpions in a bottle, highlighting the mutual destruction that could result from a nuclear conflict.

1954-04-01
Secret Hearing on Oppenheimer's Allegiances

In April-May 1954, a secret hearing was held to investigate J. Robert Oppenheimer's past communist ties and his stance on the development of the hydrogen bomb. The transcript of the hearings was later published, shedding light on the controversial proceedings.

1954-04-12
Oppenheimer's Security Clearance Suspended

In 1954, J. Robert Oppenheimer's security clearance was suspended based on FBI reports falsely accusing him of being a Russian spy. This led to President Dwight Eisenhower ordering a 'blank wall' between Oppenheimer and secret data, sparking a challenge from Oppenheimer against the suspension.

1954-06-29
Revocation of Oppenheimer's security clearance

On June 29, 1954, the US Atomic Energy Commission revoked J. Robert Oppenheimer's security clearance just 32 hours before its expiration, a controversial decision that stirred debate.

1955-02
Oppenheimer's Lecture Controversy at University of Washington

In February 1955, the president of the University of Washington canceled an invitation for J. Robert Oppenheimer to deliver lectures, sparking student protests and a subsequent overturning of the decision by the university senate.

1957-09
France made Oppenheimer an Officer of the Legion of Honor

In September 1957, France honored J. Robert Oppenheimer by appointing him as an Officer of the Legion of Honor.

1959
Lewis Strauss Senate Hearing for U.S. Secretary of Commerce Nomination

In 1959, Lewis Strauss faced a Senate hearing regarding his nomination as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce by President Eisenhower. The 16-day event concluded with the Senate rejecting his confirmation, marking a significant setback in Strauss' political career.

1960
Establishment of the World Academy of Art and Science

In 1960, J. Robert Oppenheimer, along with Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, and Joseph Rotblat, founded the World Academy of Art and Science, aiming to promote interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

1962-05-03
Election to the Royal Society

On May 3, 1962, J. Robert Oppenheimer was elected as a Foreign Member of the Royal Society in Britain, recognizing his contributions to science.

1963-12-02
Fermi Award presented to Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer

On December 2, 1963, Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer was presented with the Fermi Award for his significant contributions to science and nuclear research.

1963-12-02
President Lyndon Johnson awards Enrico Fermi Award to Oppenheimer

On December 2, 1963, President Lyndon Johnson presented J. Robert Oppenheimer with the Enrico Fermi Award, despite the Atomic Energy Commission's refusal to grant him security clearance.

1964
Heinar Kipphardt's Play 'In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer'

Heinar Kipphardt's play 'In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer' delves into the complexities of Oppenheimer's life and the challenges he faced during his security hearings.

1965
Publication of 'Oppenheimer: The Story of a Friendship' by Haakon Chevalier

The book 'Oppenheimer: The Story of a Friendship' by Haakon Chevalier was published in 1965.

1966
Robert Oppenheimer serves as Director of Princeton's Institute of Advanced Study

From an unspecified time until 1966, Robert Oppenheimer held the position of Director at Princeton's Institute of Advanced Study.

1967-02-18
Death of J. Robert Oppenheimer

J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist and science administrator, passed away in Princeton, New Jersey at the age of 62. He was noted for his role as the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory during the development of the atomic bomb and as the director of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

1967-02-21
Death of J. Robert Oppenheimer

After a battle with throat cancer and unsuccessful chemotherapy, J. Robert Oppenheimer fell into a coma and passed away three days later.

1968
Premiere of Heinar Kipphardt's Play in New York

Heinar Kipphardt's play, which portrayed J. Robert Oppenheimer as a tragic figure, premiered in New York with Joseph Wiseman in the lead role. The play received mixed reviews, with some criticizing its historical accuracy.

1972
Death of J. Robert Oppenheimer's wife, Katherine 'Kitty' Oppenheimer

In October 1972, Katherine 'Kitty' Oppenheimer, wife of J. Robert Oppenheimer, passed away at the age of 62 from an intestinal infection complicated by a pulmonary embolism. Their properties were inherited by their children after her death.

1976
Publication of 'The Advisors: Oppenheimer, Teller, and the Superbomb' by Herbert F. York

The book 'The Advisors: Oppenheimer, Teller, and the Superbomb' by Herbert F. York was published in 1976.

1977
Death of J. Robert Oppenheimer's daughter, Katherine 'Toni' Oppenheimer Silber

In January 1977, Katherine 'Toni' Oppenheimer Silber, daughter of J. Robert Oppenheimer, tragically took her own life by hanging herself. She was refused security clearance for her chosen career as a United Nations translator due to past charges against her father.

1981
Publication of 'J. Robert Oppenheimer: Shatterer of Worlds'

The book 'J. Robert Oppenheimer: Shatterer of Worlds' by Peter Goodchild was first published in 1981 as the 1st American edition.

1986
Publication of 'Lawrence and Oppenheimer' by Nuel Pharr Davis

The book 'Lawrence and Oppenheimer' by Nuel Pharr Davis was published in 1986.

1989
Publication of 'In Any Light: Scientists and the Decision to Build the Superbomb, 1952-1954'

The article 'In Any Light: Scientists and the Decision to Build the Superbomb, 1952-1954' by Peter Galison and Barton J. Bernstein was published in Historical Studies in the Physical and Biological Sciences in 1989.

2000-01-04
Asteroid and Lunar Crater Named After Oppenheimer

An asteroid, 67085 Oppenheimer, was named in honor of J. Robert Oppenheimer on January 4, 2000. Additionally, the lunar crater Oppenheimer was named after him in 1970.

2004
Centennial Conference on Oppenheimer's Legacy

A conference commemorating the 100th anniversary of J. Robert Oppenheimer's birth was held at the University of California, Berkeley. The event included a digital exhibition on his life and the publication of conference proceedings in 2005 as 'Reappraising Oppenheimer: Centennial Studies and Reflections'.

2005
Publication of 'American Prometheus' by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin

'American Prometheus' is a biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer that delves into his life, work, and the complexities of his character. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 2006.

2006
Publication of '109 East Palace: Robert Oppenheimer and the Secret City of Los Alamos' by Jennet Conant

The book '109 East Palace: Robert Oppenheimer and the Secret City of Los Alamos' by Jennet Conant was published in 2006.

2008
Publication of 'Site-specific: The Fractured Humanity of J. Robert Oppenheimer'

The article 'Site-specific: The Fractured Humanity of J. Robert Oppenheimer' by Elizabeth Borgwardt was published in Modern Intellectual History in 2008.

2009
Oppenheimer's Non-Involvement in Soviet Espionage Confirmed

Based on an analysis of the Vassiliev notebooks, it was confirmed that Oppenheimer was never involved in espionage for the Soviet Union, although Soviet intelligence tried to recruit him. He also had individuals removed from the Manhattan Project who had sympathies to the Soviet Union.

2014
Declassification of Hearing Transcript

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy released the full, declassified transcript of the 1954 hearing that impacted J. Robert Oppenheimer's career.

2015
Publication of 'The General and the Genius: Groves and Oppenheimer — the Unlikely Partnership That Built the Atom Bomb' by James Kunetka

The book 'The General and the Genius: Groves and Oppenheimer — the Unlikely Partnership That Built the Atom Bomb' by James Kunetka was published in 2015.

2022-12-16
Oppenheimer's Security Clearance Revocation Vacated

United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm vacated the 1954 revocation of Oppenheimer's security clearance, citing a flawed process that violated regulations. Granholm's decision has drawn criticism.

2023-07-21
Oppenheimer Film Release Date

The film 'Oppenheimer' directed by Christopher Nolan, focusing on the life of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb, is set to be released on July 21, 2023.

2024-01-23
Release of Christopher Nolan's movie Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan's biopic on J. Robert Oppenheimer explores his life in a non-linear order, making the timeline difficult to follow.

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J. Robert Oppenheimer
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