Uranium Twisting the Dragons Tail

Unlock the mysteries of uranium, one of the Earth’s most controversial elements, with host and physicist Dr. Derek Muller. Born from the collapse of a star, uranium has brought hope, progress and destruction. It has revolutionized society, from medicine to warfare.

The uranium atom has the largest naturally occurring nucleus on earth — 92 protons and usually 146 neutrons, so big that it is groaning under the strain. Uranium spits out pieces of itself and, when it does, it no longer has 92 protons. It’s become a completely different element. Uranium does this all by itself, spontaneously and naturally.

The first responders to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident were the firemen of Pripyat. They absorbed dangerous amounts of radiation and were taken to the Pripyat Hospital. Their contaminated clothing was taken to the basement where it remains to this day. Dr. Derek Muller and his traveling companion ‘Bionerd’ take us down into the hospital basement to see the firemen’s clothing.

A two-part series exploring the incredible story of uranium, from its creation in an exploding star to its deployment in nuclear weapons, nuclear power and nuclear medicine. Join physicist and YouTube phenomenon Dr. Derek Muller as he reveals the untold story of the most wondrous and terrifying rock on Earth.

The Titan Missile facility in Arizona, operational from 1963 to 1982, was built to house the largest and most powerful nuclear missile weapons system ever deployed by the U.S. At the height of the Cold War the U.S. and Soviet Union threatened each other with these weapons. Dr. Derek Muller visits the Titan Missile Museum and meets with guide Chuck Penson to simulate launching a missile.

Uranium was forged in the explosion of a star some six billion years ago. It's woven into the fabric of our earth, still crackling with the energy of that exploding star. Dr. Derek Muller travels to the Czech Republic to begin his journey to discover the incredible story of Uranium. He explains that everywhere on Earth is naturally radioactive; you are radioactive.

In the early 20th century, radiation cures and therapies became very popular. Some were harmless. Some were dangerous. The mining town of Jachymov in the Czech Republic reinvents itself as a heath spa using radioactive water from the mines. Dr. Derek Muller immerses himself in a radioactive bath.

Unlock the mysteries of uranium, one of the Earth’s most controversial elements, with host and physicist Dr. Derek Muller. Born from the collapse of a star, uranium has brought hope, progress and destruction. It has revolutionized society, from medicine to warfare.