Merle Tuve facts for kids

Merle Anthony Tuve (born June 27, 1901 – died May 20, 1982) was an American scientist who studied the Earth's physical properties, known as a geophysicist. He was a leader in important scientific projects during World War II.

Tuve helped create the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. This lab was key in developing new technologies for the war effort. He was also a pioneer in using special radio waves. His work helped lead to the invention of radar and the development of nuclear energy.

Early Life and Education

Merle Antony Tuve was born in Canton, South Dakota. He grew up with Ernest Lawrence, who also became a famous physicist. Merle's grandparents were from Norway and moved to the United States.

His father, Anthony G. Tuve, was the president of Augustana College. His mother, Ida Marie Larsen Tuve, taught music there. After his father passed away, Merle's family moved to Minneapolis.

Merle went to the University of Minnesota. He earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Physics in 1922. He then received his Master of Science (MS) degree in Physics in 1923. After teaching for a year at Princeton, he went to Johns Hopkins University. There, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Physics in 1927.

Key Scientific Discoveries

Merle Tuve made many important discoveries that changed science and technology. His work helped us understand more about our planet and how to use new forms of energy.

Understanding the Ionosphere

In 1925, Merle Tuve worked with physicist Gregory Breit. They used radio waves to measure the height of the ionosphere. The ionosphere is a part of Earth's upper atmosphere. Their observations helped create the basic ideas for radar. Radar uses radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance.

Exploring the Atom

Tuve was one of the first scientists to use high-voltage machines. These machines helped him study the tiny parts that make up an atom. In 1933, he confirmed that a particle called the neutron exists. He also measured the strong forces that hold the center of atoms, called atomic nuclei, together.

Developing the Proximity Fuze

During World War II, Tuve suggested a new invention called the proximity fuze. This device would make anti-aircraft weapons much more effective. It would allow bombs to explode when they were close to an enemy target, not just on impact.

He led the team of scientists who developed this important device. The proximity fuze was very helpful for the Allies winning World War II. He worked on this at the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism and later at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

Other Research Areas

Merle Tuve also contributed to other fields of science. He worked on experimental seismology, which is the study of earthquakes. He also contributed to radio astronomy, which uses radio waves to study objects in space. In addition, he worked on optical astronomy, which uses light to study space.

Leadership and Contributions

Merle Tuve was a founding director of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in 1942. This lab became a major center for scientific research during the war.

From 1946 to 1966, he was the Director of Terrestrial Magnetism Research at the Carnegie Institution for Science. He also served on important national and international committees. These included the first U.S. National Commission for UNESCO and the U.S. Committee for the International Geophysical Year. He was also the first chairman of the Geophysical Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences.

Personal Life

Merle Tuve had two brothers and a sister. His brother George Lewis Tuve was a mechanical engineering professor. His other brother, Richard Larsen Tuve, was an inventor and chemist. His sister, Rosemond Tuve, was a professor of Renaissance Literature.

Merle Tuve married Winifred Gray Whitman in 1927. They had two children, Trygve and Lucy. Both of their children also earned PhD degrees and became scientists.

Honors and Recognition

For his important work during World War II, Merle Tuve received the Presidential Medal for Merit from President Harry S. Truman. He was also named an Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1948.

A place in Antarctica called Mount Tuve was named after him. This shows how much his work was valued. His scientific papers and records are kept at The Library of Congress in over 400 boxes.

Awards Received

Merle Tuve received many awards for his scientific achievements:

• William Bowie Medal from the American Geophysical Union
• Howard N. Potts Medal from the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Comstock Prize in Physics from the National Academy of Sciences (1948)
• Order of the Condor of the Andes from the nation of Bolivia
• Cosmos Club Award from the Cosmos Club
• John Scott Award from the City of Philadelphia

Selected Works

• Velocity structures in Hydrogen Profiles: A sky atlas of neutral hydrogen emission (1973)
• The Third Cosmos Club Award: Merle A. Tuve (1966)