What would a nuclear blast look like from space?

If a nuclear weapon is exploded in a vacuum-i. e., in space-the complexion of weapon effects changes drastically: First, in the absence of an atmosphere, blast disappears completely. Second, thermal radiation, as usually defined, also disappears.

How would an explosion look in space?

An explosion in space would realistically look like a brief spherical burst of light moving outwards, as well as a discharge of energy and material from the exploding object (energy and light can both travel in a vacuum).

Would a nuclear explosion on the moon be visible from Earth?

If the explosive device detonated on the surface, and not in a lunar crater, the flash of explosive light would have been faintly visible to people on Earth with their naked eye.

How far is a nuclear blast visible?

But for those farther away, it’s best to avert and cover your eyes, according to the CDC. A 1-megaton bomb (that’s about 80 times larger than the “Little Boy” atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan) could temporarily blind people up to 13 miles away on a clear day, and up to 53 miles away on a clear night.

Can a nuclear explosion be seen from space?

So, there’s factual confirmation that a 1.4 Mt nuclear explosion could be seen at night from at least 1,400 km away. This means that a nuclear explosion could definitely be seen from space.

How are nuclear weapons detected by satellites?

Nuclear weapons have a very distinct “double flash” signature. Instruments to detect nuclear explosions are installed on US military satellites, including GPS satellites, which can use the precise arrival times of the light from nuclear explosions to calculate where and when the explosion originated.

Why did the US test nuclear bombs in space?

Nuclear bomb in space – Bomb testing In the most dramatic stages of the Cold War, Russia and the United States were testing nuclear bombs left and right, and due to fears of a long-range nuclear missile or a satellite delivery system for a nuclear warhead, all eyes were on the skies.

What happens if there is no atmosphere around a nuclear weapon?

First, in the absence of an atmosphere, blast disappears completely. Second, thermal radiation, as usually defined, also disappears. There is no longer any air for the blast wave to heat and much higher frequency radiation is emitted from the weapon itself. ASTRONAUTICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS 133