News Physics

A newfound quasicrystal formed in the first atomic bomb test

‘Trinitite’ contains a material that is ordered but doesn’t repeat itself

Red trinitite

Red trinitite (shown) was formed from melted sand, copper wires and other debris in the aftermath of the Trinity nuclear test.

Luca Bindi and Paul J. Steinhardt

By Emily Conover

- More than 2 years ago

In an instant, the bomb obliterated everything.

The tower it sat on and the copper wires strung around it: vaporized.