The Atomic Bomb Dropped Over Hiroshima
Yesterday an atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima, Japan. Its estimated power was equal to 20,000 tons of TNT, a destructive force so powerful it could vaporize a large city in seconds. We do not yet known how the situation in Hiroshima is, as the city is covered in too much dust and smoke for the observation planes to get a good view.
Hiroshima is an important center for the Japanese army. That is the main reason why President Truman has given the order to bomb the city. We have interviewed one of the key persons from the War Department, who wants to stay anonymous, who has contributed in making this decision, later in this article. The bomb was dropped over Hiroshima at 08.15, and probably missed the aimingpoint by some 800 ft. The bomb was supposed to detonate over a bridge, but was obscured, probably due to crosswinds.
Why did you choose to bomb Japan?
The main reason that I can tell you of by now, is that we wanted to force Japan to capitulate without any terms. In addition, we did warn Japan, Mr. Truman said that if Japan's leaders did not accept our terms, they "may expect a rain of ruin from the air the like of which has never been seen on this earth". And that is what the Japanese now have experienced.
Please tell me, just how powerful is the atomic bomb?
The bomb has been estimated to be equal to 20,000 tons of TNT. A similar bomb has already been tested in New Mexico, and that bomb gave satisfying results. The New Mexico-bomb "vaporized" an immense steel tower, in just seconds. In addition, a 40,000-foot cloud rushed into the sky, whilst two observers were knocked down 10,000 yards away, by the shockwave.
Can we use the science of atoms in any other way than just bombs?
We have many researchers who work at this project, and we believe that it is possible to acquire enormous amounts of energy from this science. If we manage to control what is happening inside one of the bombs, we may be able to collect unimaginable amounts of almost "free" energy.
Have you found any downsides of this science?
No, not yet. In a controlled process, atomic energy will be really safe and inexpensive. Apart from the reaction itself emitting extremely hot temperatures, it is very safe.
Now we have to get back to the bomb and Japan. Do you think Japan will capitulate after this?
Yes, if the bomb did as we expected to, and it seems like it did, I believe Japan is going to capitulate really soon.
Do you have plans for more bombing?
I am not allowed comment on this question. You will have to see for yourself.
Is this project expensive?
Yes, since 1939, we have spent nearly $2,000,000,000 in advancing its research. Britain and Canada have also contributed to this project.
I think we have to end this interview. Thank you so much for coming here today and for answering my questions.
It has been a pleasure for my part. Let us just hope that we have finally won the war, after millions of lives have been lost. And, as some information at the end, I want to tell you that we chose to drop the bomb over Japan to save lives and not to make Japan suffer even more. In this way, a lot of Japanese people and Americans will be saved. If we had chosen to invade Japan, thousands upon thousands of new deaths would have occurred, and that is not what we want to do in a situation like this.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0806.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki
http://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atombombene_over_Hiroshima_og_Nagasaki
