Although the microwave was a phenomenal scientific discovery affecting the lives of many people around the world, the benefits of this technology were not available until its discovery in 1946 Cooking before the microwave was a time-consuming but necessary task for women. This accidental discovery was an astonishing breakthrough in history. It's crazy to think that microwaves bouncing around in a metal box can reheat food with the press of a button. The microwave is used daily by families around the world and has seen many technological advancements since its arrival in 1946. Perhaps one of the most widely used technologies, the microwave has been a tremendous discovery for which many many people are grateful today. In October 1946, Percy Spencer was working at an engineering company. This company manufactured equipment for the Department of Defense and tested a new power tube called a magnetron. The magnetron produced microwaves which were used by the military to detect hostile aircraft (Landau 41). It turns out the magnetron had another use. After finding a melted chocolate bar in his pocket, Spencer guessed that his candy bar had been melted by the microwave (Landau 41). Percy was a smart man and knew that with some experimentation and help from others, he could find the answer he was looking for. Spencer experimented with different foods, including popcorn kernels and an egg (Landau42). Excited to see what might happen next, he continued to plan. He made a metal box with an opening. Through this opening, it fed the power of the microwaves which could not escape from the Rasmussen 2 box (“Microwaves”, South-West). He immediately understood that he had made an astonishing discovery. This would save man hours. Spencer went to work with o...... middle of paper ...... Gallawa family website. Internet. January 20, 2011. .Landau, Elaine. The story of everyday life. Minneapolis. Twenty First Century Books, 2006. Print. “History of the microwave oven – Invention of the microwave oven”. The Great Idea Finder - Celebrating the spirit of innovation. August 15, 2005. Web. January 20, 2011. “Microwave Oven.” Southwest Engineering, Communications and Computing Museum.Web. January 17, 2011. .Sachs, Jessica. Microwave oven. The Encyclopedia of Inventions. Danbury: Franklin Watts. 2001. Print. Smith, Roger, ed. “Microwave cooking.” Inventions and Inventors.Pasadena: Salem Press.Inc. 2002. Print. “The 30th anniversary of the microwave oven marks the revolution in American home kitchens/Babyboomers.com. » Babyboomers.com/A website for baby boomers. 2011. .