Robert James Moon. Robert James Moon (February 14, 1911 – November 1, 1989) was an American physicist, chemist and engineer. A graduate of the University of Chicago, he served on the faculty there and participated in the Manhattan Project.

Timeline Summary of Dr. Robert J. Moon's Life

Early Life and Education (1911–1930s) 

 February 14, 1911: Born in Leesburg, Virginia. His upbringing on a farm fostered practical problem-solving skills and an early interest in science.
 1930–1935: Attended the University of Chicago, earning dual Ph.D.s in Physical Chemistry and Physics. His studies focused on cutting-edge atomic research under William Draper Harkins.
 1934–1935: Designed and built one of the first cyclotrons, improving on Ernest Lawrence’s model to advance nuclear experimentation.

Manhattan Project Contributions (1942–1945) 

 1942: Joined the Metallurgical Laboratory ("Met Lab", re-named the Argonne national laboratory after WWII) at the University of Chicago, part of the Manhattan Project.
 Contributed to solving graphite contamination issues in Chicago Pile-1 (CP-1), the world’s first controlled nuclear reactor, enabling the first nuclear chain reaction.
 1945: Continued working on nuclear materials testing and reactor design until the end of World War II.

Post-War Research and Innovations (1945–1960s) 

 Focused on peaceful applications of nuclear energy and biophysics:
 1950s: Developed the first scanning X-ray microscope, enabling clearer imaging of dense body tissues and advancing medical diagnostics.
 Conducted pioneering studies on nerve action potentials, bridging physics and biology.
 Explored theoretical approaches to electrodynamics, questioning prevailing assumptions in atomic and nuclear physics.

Development of the Geometric Nuclear Model (1970s–1980s) 

 1970s: Began theorizing that atomic nuclei are structured according to nested Platonic solids, a geometric framework that correlates with the periodic table.
 Collaborated with scientists and philosophers, including Lyndon LaRouche, to explore quantized space and its implications for nuclear stability and atomic behavior.
 1984: Participated in interviews and discussions to explain his geometric nuclear model and its role in explaining atomic periodicity.

Legacy and Final Years (1980s–1989) 

 1987: Delivered a lecture titled "How He Conceived His Nuclear Model", summarizing his lifelong scientific journey and the development of his geometric periodic table.
 May 1, 1989: Passed away, leaving a legacy of interdisciplinary contributions across nuclear physics, biophysics, and theoretical chemistry.

Posthumous Recognition (1990s–2000s) 

 1993: Discovery of safely stored radioactive materials in his home reflected his meticulous nature as a scientist.
 2004: Featured in 21st Century Science & Technology, celebrating his geometric periodic table model and scientific achievements.

References

External links
 Who Was Robert J. Moon? https://21sci-tech.com/articles/drmoon.html 21st Century Science & Technology
 University of Chicago Photo Archive, Accelerator Building http://photoarchive.lib.uchicago.edu/db.xqy?one=apf2-00146.xml
 Interview: Robert Moon. Part I. 'We grew up confident we could solve any problem.' https://larouchepub.com/eiw/public/1987/eirv14n43-19871030/eirv14n43-19871030_031-dr_robert_moon.pdf  Executive Intelligence Review, Vol. 14, No. 43, Oct. 30, 1987.
 Interview: Robert Moon. Part II. New hypothesis shows geometry of atomic nucleus. Executive Intelligence Review, Vol. 14, No. 44, Nov. 6, 1987. https://larouchepub.com/eiw/public/1987/eirv14n44-19871106/eirv14n44-19871106_018-dr_robert_moon.pdf
 Hecht, Laurence. The Geometric Basis for the Periodicity of the Elements. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/31206913/the-geometry-the-nucleus 21st Century Science & Technology, May-June 1988, pp. 18-30.
 Continuing the Legacy of Dr. Robert J. Moon. https://21sci-tech.com/Subscriptions/Archive/2004_F.pdf 21st Century Science & Technology. Fall 2004, pp. 8-77.
 Interview, Jan/Feb 1985, pg 56. Fusion Magazine http://wlym.com/archive/fusion/fusion/19850102-fusion.pdf
 International journal of fusion energy, April 1985, pg. 63, http://wlym.com/archive/fusion/ijfe/19850404-IJFE.pdf
 Memorandum, Nov 17th, 1989 https://larouchepub.com/eiw/public/1989/eirv16n46-19891117/eirv16n46-19891117_027-in_memoriam_dr_robert_j_moon.pdf
 Moon pictured, Nov 17th, 1989 https://larouchepub.com/eiw/public/1989/eirv16n46-19891117/eirv16n46-19891117_018-the_fusion_energy_foundation_10.pdf
 List of Dr. Moon articles from 21st century science mag https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Charles-Stevens-10

1911 births
1989 deaths
20th-century American physicists
University of Chicago faculty
University of Chicago alumni
Manhattan Project people