Monday May 28, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Swedish man caught trying to split atoms at home

World Aug. 05, 2011 - 05:33AM JST ( 18 )

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18 Comments

1

Armen AslanyanAug. 05, 2011 - 08:10AM JST

Now how is it fare?! He did a right thing by contacting Sweden’s Radiation Authority and they sent cops? Lesson to be learn-Dont contact anyone when trying to split atoms in your kitchen.
0

AsagaoAug. 05, 2011 - 09:20AM JST

Is it legal in Japan? Sounds like a great father and son project...my sons really interested in science.
0

SquidBertAug. 05, 2011 - 11:15AM JST

@Asago Seems they let pretty much any clown split atoms in this country, so wouldn't surprise me.

Just in case you were serious: It would be incredibly illegal, stupid and also the last thing you will attempt. Do some interesting reading on the early days of nuclear research by doing a Google search for "Tickling the Dragons Tail"
1

timeonAug. 05, 2011 - 11:59AM JST

but how did he purchase the elements? I need special approval to buy them, and I'm a researcher, so I don't think he found them in the closest Ikea
1

ExportExpertAug. 05, 2011 - 12:14PM JST

Haha doing it as a hobby haha, sounds like a bit of a fun guy to know.
1

SquidBertAug. 05, 2011 - 01:32PM JST

According to associated press he had radium, americium and uranium in his possession. Americium is easily sourced, in fact most of you already have it in your homes(whether you know it or not).

Uranium however, well you would need to go to the closest Terrorists'R'Us for that.

But then on the other hand, the presence of radium might indicate that he actually did process this from scratch so to speak. Then again IANANP (I Am Not A Nuclear Physicist)
1

PotsandpansAug. 05, 2011 - 02:10PM JST

Sounds like he is slightly autistic.

A whiz at science.

But zero social awareness.

Suspended sentence, put him to work in a lab, and keep an eye on him.
0

FarmboyAug. 05, 2011 - 02:21PM JST

Never knew they locked people up for fission.
0

SquidBertAug. 05, 2011 - 02:49PM JST

@Farmboy, No they only lock up the fusion guys, that's why it's still not working. ;-)

@PotsAndPans For some reason, your comment put the image of Rain man into my head. I imagine him standing in one spot rocking slightly back and forth while looking at his feet, repeating; -I am an excellent Nuclear Scientist. Over and over again. While the Emergency response team is trying to get the small nuclear meltdown on his kitchen stove under control
0

mountainpearAug. 05, 2011 - 03:27PM JST

@timeon Where can you get it? Smoke detectors, gas lantern mantles, old clocks. Ever heard of the 'radioactive Boy Scout' David Hahn. Read his unbelievable story here: http://www.dangerouslaboratories.org/radscout.html
0

smithinjapanAug. 05, 2011 - 03:54PM JST

Well, strong motivation aside, it's a pretty stupid thing to do. At least the guy did the right thing by calling it in, and I'm sure he's sincere in the sticking to theory thing. Heck, he'll probably even land a plum job as a result.
2

warnerbroAug. 05, 2011 - 05:40PM JST

His application to Mensa was subsequently rejected. Fortunately they arrested him before TEPCO could offer him a job.
0

timeonAug. 05, 2011 - 05:50PM JST

But mountain, you also have to enrich the stuff, that's what I didn't know you can do home. sorry, never heard of that radioactive dude
1

SwissToniAug. 05, 2011 - 11:19PM JST

"Never knew they locked people up for fission"

Seems they thought he was poaching
1

YuriOtaniAug. 06, 2011 - 04:52AM JST

Should of just put it in the garbage and move on. Reporting himself lead to his own arrest.
0

ipodipadiped2Aug. 06, 2011 - 05:00AM JST

I luv these stories. Hire him.
0

Elbuda MexicanoAug. 06, 2011 - 05:59AM JST

Let us just hope and pray this guy is not on the same crazy violent wave lengths as that nut case over in Norway that killed so many people.
0

globalwatcherAug. 06, 2011 - 07:24AM JST

“I have always been interested in physics and chemistry,” Handl said, adding he just wanted to “see if it’s possible to split atoms at home.”

TEPCO should offer him a real job at Fukushima Daiichi. That will keep him busy 24/7 and he will enjoy the job.