The Atomic Golf Ball
A demonstration that what is possible may not be what is practical.
Developed by nuclear physicist William Davidson in 1950, a small amount of radioactive material at the core of the atomic golf ball allowed it to be found using a Geiger counter, should it be hit into the rough. But there were a few problems with the concept:
1: The Geiger counter needed to be pretty close to the ball (within 5 feet) to actually detect it.
2: Not many people own Geiger counters.
3: Even though a single ball didn't pose much of a radiation risk, a bunch of the balls stored together would be a problem. So, it wasn't possible for stores to stock and sell these.
Developed by nuclear physicist William Davidson in 1950, a small amount of radioactive material at the core of the atomic golf ball allowed it to be found using a Geiger counter, should it be hit into the rough. But there were a few problems with the concept:
1: The Geiger counter needed to be pretty close to the ball (within 5 feet) to actually detect it.
2: Not many people own Geiger counters.
3: Even though a single ball didn't pose much of a radiation risk, a bunch of the balls stored together would be a problem. So, it wasn't possible for stores to stock and sell these.
Mechanix Illustrated - Mar 1951
Akron Beacon Journal - Aug 20, 2000
click to enlarge
Comments
A glowing example of a very bad idea!
agent j
agent j
Posted by agent j on 07/24/19 at 10:28 AM
Not what we meant by "glow-in-the-dark" golf balls. Maybe we can recycle the idea by putting a metal core in golf balls and having golfers find them using a metal detector. Or better! How about scented golf balls that could be tracked by dogs? They could have a special at animal shelters; buy a dog, get ten scented golf balls free!
Posted by Yudith on 07/25/19 at 06:10 AM
So, these are not related to an Atomic Wedgie?
Posted by KDP on 07/25/19 at 09:46 AM
There are red golf balls. A friend in Ohio and his buddies play with these in winter so they can find them in the snow. Beside extending their golfing season, this gives them the opportunity for endless jokes about having red balls.
Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 07/25/19 at 01:03 PM
Commenting is not available in this channel entry.
Category: Sports | Golf | Atomic Power and Other Nuclear Matters | 1950s