Los Alamos Lights for Peace

Luminarias line Ashley Pond in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

NPS

 

Reflection

• More Reflection
• Days of Peace & Remembrance
• Messages of Peace
• Seeds for Reflection
• Oak Ridge Bell Ringing
• Hanford Lights for Peace
• Partners in Commemoration
• Virtual Lights for Peace

In Los Alamos, scientists, engineers, and military officials worked together to develop the theoretical and experimental tests that created the first atomic weapons using enriched uranium from Oak Ridge and plutonium from Hanford. The uranium bomb utilized a gun method for creating a critical mass and nuclear explosion. In 1944, scientists determined that a gun-type bomb would not work for plutonium. They turned to the theoretical and extremely complex implosion method to develop the plutonium-fueled fat man bomb.  

Uncertain the implosion method would work, officials tested this method at the Trinity Site in southern New Mexico on July 16, 1945. The Trinity test ushered in the nuclear age with the world's first human-caused nuclear explosion. This profound significant scientific achievement raised ethical and moral questions among scientists and citizens alike—questions that continue to this day. 

In August of each year, the park hosts Lights for Peace at Ashley Pond where luminarias (farolitos) with messages of peace and reflection written by the public are displayed. This quiet, introspective experience focuses on providing visitors the opportunity to walk the lighted path in silence and have their own reflective experience based on their personal reasons for participating. 

Commemorative Events 

Every July, the park posts a full schedule of events on the Days of Peace and Remembrance web page, the park's online calendar, and Facebook page.