10 Questions
What was the purpose of the computer model mentioned in the article, and who were the individuals involved in its development?
The computer model was key in the development of early forms of the internet, and it was worked on by Bill Gates and the founder of Christie's.
What is the estimated value of the spacesuit belonging to astronaut Ed White, and what was his notable achievement?
The estimated value of the spacesuit is between $80,000 and $120,000, and Ed White was the first American to perform a spacewalk in 1965.
What was the result of the auction of Mr. Allen's art collection in 2022, and what was his intention for the proceeds?
The auction set a new world record, raising over $1.5bn, and the proceeds were intended to go to philanthropic causes.
What was Mr. Allen's net worth at the time of his death, and how much did he donate to charitable causes during his lifetime?
His net worth was estimated at over $20bn, and he donated more than $2bn to charitable causes.
What else did Mr. Allen own, apart from his art collection?
Mr. Allen owned various American sports teams.
What was the main concern expressed by Albert Einstein in his letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939?
That Nazi Germany might be able to create atomic bombs and suggesting the US begins its own atomic programme.
Who actually wrote the letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but had it signed by Albert Einstein?
Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard with help from other scientists.
What was the outcome of the Manhattan Project, which began in 1942?
The first ever use of atomic weapons, against Japan, in 1945.
Why did Einstein later regret the letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt?
Because of its role in making America the only country to make nuclear weapons at the time.
What is the estimated value of the Einstein letter, which is being sold at auction?
Between $4m and $6m (£3.2m-£4.7m).
Study Notes
Einstein's Atomic Bomb Letter
- In 1939, Albert Einstein wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, warning that Nazi Germany might be able to create atomic bombs and suggesting the US begins its own atomic programme.
- The letter, actually written by Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard, was signed by Einstein to increase its chances of getting the president's attention.
- The letter, dated 2 August 1939, states that "extremely powerful bombs of a new type may thus be constructed".
- Three years later, America began the Manhattan Project, which led to the first ever use of atomic weapons against Japan in 1945.
Paul Allen's Collection
- Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder, passed away in 2018 at the age of 65.
- His personal collection, including the Einstein letter, is going up for auction at Christie's in New York.
- The letter is estimated to be worth between 4mand4m and 4mand6m.
- Other items in the collection include a computer from 1971, a DEC PDP-10: KI-10 model, which is expected to fetch between 30,000and30,000 and 30,000and50,000.
- A spacesuit belonging to astronaut Ed White, who performed the first American spacewalk in 1965, has an estimated value of 80,000to80,000 to 80,000to120,000.
Paul Allen's Legacy
- Paul Allen's art collection set a new world record for the biggest sale in an auction, raising over $1.5bn in 2022.
- He donated more than $2bn to charitable causes during his lifetime.
- He set up art and culture museums and owned various American sports teams.
- His net worth at the time of his death was estimated at over $20bn by Forbes.
Learn about Albert Einstein's 1939 letter to President Roosevelt, warning of Nazi Germany's potential to create atomic bombs and the US's response.
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