In New Mexico there is the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) which is the home of the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) Facility. The facility, built in 1943, was born of a need to develop nuclear arms during the Cold War after WWII; these facilities are both a sign of America’s military history and its continuation of military progress.

The use of the WNR facility is to provide the scientists with access to neutron and proton beams for basic and military applications. Basic uses include the study of pharmaceuticals and gene therapy, and military applications ranging from defense measures, countering enemy attacks, and advancing aggressive response weapons.

Located in the northern and mountainous parts of New Mexico, the LANL was constructed as part of the Manhattan Project that gave America the atomic bombs made infamous in World War II. The facility grew during the Cold War to include other departments like Isotope Production Facility, Lujan Neutron Scattering Center, Proton Radiography, Ultracold neutrons, and the Weapons Neutron Research Facility.

A cutting edge research facility, the WNR attracts promising students, graduates, and experts from around the world. The abilities of the facility are also used by commercial companies to test components and the effects of neutron exposure on them. Since it is still and active military complex, various governmental experiments are also conducted.

Although an active weapons facility, the LANL and WNR are open for visits from the public. Take the time to visit the LANL and watch the future in the making.