The work of the JASON defense advisory panel — better known as “the JASONs” — tends to be taken quite seriously. Certainly, the conclusions of JASON’s scientists on issues related to nuclear warheads are followed closely in the arms control community. For local examples, see here, here, and here. Fairly or not, JASON is seen …
Experts Predict 2010 Will Be Terrible
by | 2009-12-26 | 7 Comments
In June 2005, Senator Richard Lugar released the findings of a survey he commissioned of nonproliferation experts. Eighty-five of us responded. Here are some of our pessimistic findings: Question 1: In your estimate, how many nations that do not currently possess a working nuclear weapon will be added to the nuclear weapons club during the …
Emilio Largo's Revenge
by | 2009-12-25 | 4 Comments
What better occasion than Christmas to ponder nuclear terrorism? According to a Dec. 19 story by Thom Shanker and Eric Schmitt in the New York Times, the forthcoming Nuclear Posture review will be just as much about preventing nuclear terrorism as about nuclear deterrence. It’s a good idea, and — in hindsight — a perfectly …
UD3 Initiators: A Red Herring?
by | 2009-12-23 | 53 Comments
This video is just a little more interesting than watching paint dry—until you realize that it is sound causing that little bright dot in the center! Sonoluminescence, light emitted by a plasma created at the center of a converging spherical sound wave, can be yours for about $100. Here are the instructions and here is …
