LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW


By bblouin
The outside of los alamos national laboratory.

National security isn’t possible without our military. The American Armed Forces is full of brave people from every walk of life. These individuals are willing and able to sacrifice so that we might know freedom. These traits are amplified by our nation’s commitment on the frontlines and in STEM fields. Today, laboratories continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. Los Alamos National Laboratory or LANL is a prime example of these endeavors. Thrust back into the public eye when Oppenheimer hit theaters, Los Alamos National Laboratories continue to bring together the brightest minds to pursue solutions for America’s toughest problems. This often includes matters of national security. Suggested read: Why Plutonium Cores Are Once Again Being Produced at Los Alamos

Where Is Los Alamos National Laboratory?

As the name might suggest, you can find Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Specifically, you’ll want to set your GPS to 1450 Central Ave. Los Alamos, NM 87544, and head the the top of the Pajarito Plateau in the Jemez Mountains. Although the Los Alamos National Laboratory New Mexico hosts may seem local to the Land of Enchantment, its reach is much further than that. Not just because of what the labs develop but because of its significance for the country and scientific community. LANL NM has a global reach. It collaborates with scientists, engineers, and those around the world who can help advance its research. Furthermore, LANL is 1 of 15 labs dedicated to R&D that falls under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) umbrella. There is a lot that goes on inside LANL and it still helps maintain our nation’s nuclear stockpile today. But at one point, things were a little less structured and a lot more dicey. After all, they didn’t even know if they would blow us all up when Project Y was tasked with the Manhattan Project. Since then, several breakthroughs have come to be. These developments have helped advance our military and other aspects of life we take for granted. Related read: The EFP Bomb on the Terminal List Is Just as Deadly IRL

The History of Project Y and Its Research in (Classified)

Everyone involved in the Manhattan Project knew it was going to be a big deal. How big? Well, that was the point of testing. But it was always destined to be big and while thankfully it didn’t end life as we know it, the impact changed the world forever. Nuclear weapons are only getting more potent. Part of that is thanks to the Los Alamos National Laboratory careers working to keep our nation safe. But it all started as Project Y, a classified research facility headed up by the University of California. There were different designs, trials, errors, and ideas floating around at the time. Such is the case at any lab focusing on research and development. Ultimately, LANL would oversee the successful Trinity test leading to Hiroshima and Nagasaki being on the receiving end of nuclear weapons never seen before. Since that time, LANL has continued to work on nuclear solutions and maintenance. However, it has also branched out into the medical field, renewable energy, various other weapon systems, and much more. Students dream of gaining a Los Alamos National Laboratory internship. These internships are especially appealing to those looking for opportunities in STEM, defense, medical, and aerospace industries. Additionally, Los Alamos National Laboratory jobs are a great solution for Veterans looking to stay involved as a civilian.

Can You Visit Los Alamos National Laboratory?

Thinking about visiting the Los Alamos National Laboratory Library? Curious about seeing some of the sites in person? Well, it’s important to prepare and remember that this is still a facility that deals with classified information. You can visit but you’ll need to be on a guided tour to do so. You have to make a reservation, and they are only available three times per year, so plan accordingly. The Trinity Site is also available for visits but only twice per year. For more information or to make a reservation, you can do so online for free. You can also visit the Los Alamos National Laboratory via the Bradbury Science Museum. Plan your visit online before making the trip. Read next: U.S. Special Operations Command Is Sending More Troops for Hostages


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