The Demon Core Accident
How did a simple mistake turn fatal?
4.4 (32)
57 mins
Dig deeper into the story of the Demon Core, a plutonium core linked to deadly radiation accidents after WW2. Explore how two separate laboratory incidents exposed scientists to lethal doses of radiation during criticality experiments.
Ep 1:
The Sphere That Killed Twice
An introduction to the Demon Core—a plutonium sphere born from the Manhattan Project—and the reckless 'dragon tickling' experiments that would soon turn deadly.
Ep 2:
Harry Daghlian and the Dragon's Wrath
Brilliant young physicist Harry Daghlian works alone at night, triggers a fatal criticality accident, and endures a harrowing 25-day death that shocks Los Alamos.
Ep 3:
Louis Slotin's Fatal Gamble
Nine months later, the swaggering 'Chief Armorer' Louis Slotin repeats history with a screwdriver, a slipped hand, and a blue flash that seals his fate in nine days.
Ep 4:
Invisible Fire: Physics and a Russian Echo
The hidden physics of radiation reveals how invisible particles kill, while a 1997 Russian accident answers a chilling question Los Alamos never had to face.
Ep 5:
The Core's Final Fate
The Demon Core's plutonium is melted down and dispersed, while decades later a Connecticut town finally honors Harry Daghlian as more than a scientific casualty.
Ep 6:
Sleeping Dragons and Modern Lessons
Weighing nuclear dread against real-world risk, this closing chapter explores the safety reforms born from tragedy—and why complacency remains the deadliest force of all.
Discussions (5)
Lucy
Level 5 · 3 mo agoI completely disagree with you downplaying the fear of nuclear power. You cant just dismiss valid concerns as dread over data! Radiation literally destroys your DNA and that sounds like actual hell 🤷🏼♀️
Albert
Level 7 · 3 mo agoSlotin using a flathead screwdriver to hold a nuclear core open is absolute insanity. The guy basically ignored Fermi and every safety protocol because he thought he was untouchable. Fucking idiot.
Harvey
Level 4 · 3 mo agoA flathead screwdriver as your only safety protocol against a literal nuclear core is incredibly dumb 😂 Just leave the sleeping radioactive dragon alone. Hope that helps.
