The Nevada National Security Sites ( N2S2 or NNSS ), popularized as the Nevada Test Site ( NTS ) until 2010, is a reservation of the United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion of Nye County , Nevada, about 65 mi (105 km) northwest of the city of Las Vegas .
76-536: Download coordinates as: Operation Upshot–Knothole was a series of eleven nuclear test shots conducted in 1953 at the Nevada Test Site . It followed Operation Ivy and preceded Operation Castle . Over 21,000 soldiers took part in the ground exercise Desert Rock V in conjunction with the Upshot-Knothole Grable shot. Grable was a 280mm Artillery Fired Atomic Projectile (AFAP) shell fired from
152-475: A crater 1,280 feet (390 m) wide and 320 feet (100 m) deep. More than 27 subcritical tests have been conducted at the site In 2018, the State of Nevada sued the federal government to block a plan to ship "more than a metric ton" of plutonium to the site for temporary storage. In 2022, the government acknowledged that 13,625 cubic meters of radioactive material conforming to its disposal criteria had been shipped to
228-427: A crater 1,280 feet (390 m) wide and 320 feet (100 m) deep. More than 27 subcritical tests have been conducted at the site In 2018, the State of Nevada sued the federal government to block a plan to ship "more than a metric ton" of plutonium to the site for temporary storage. In 2022, the government acknowledged that 13,625 cubic meters of radioactive material conforming to its disposal criteria had been shipped to
304-521: A half-life of 12.3 years was first detected in groundwater off-site in Pahute Mesa , near the locations of the 1968 Benham and 1975 Tybo tests. The DOE issues an annual environmental monitoring report containing data from the monitoring wells both on and off site. Janice C. Beatley started to study the botany of the Nevada test site in 1962 when she created 68 study sites. The intention had been to study
380-419: A half-life of 12.3 years was first detected in groundwater off-site in Pahute Mesa , near the locations of the 1968 Benham and 1975 Tybo tests. The DOE issues an annual environmental monitoring report containing data from the monitoring wells both on and off site. Janice C. Beatley started to study the botany of the Nevada test site in 1962 when she created 68 study sites. The intention had been to study
456-809: A ten-day action to "Reclaim the Test Site", where nearly 3,000 people were arrested, including more than 1,200 in one day. This set a record for most civil disobedience arrests in a single protest. On October 12, 1992, an 11-day protest took place at the Test Site. At the invitation of the Western Shoshone Tribe and Corbin Harney , an anti-nuclear activist and spiritual leader for the Newe people, over 2000 protesters from 12 different countries gathered for "Healing Global Wounds". In their media work, protesters and organizers demanded an end to nuclear weapons testing and return of
532-597: A ten-day action to "Reclaim the Test Site", where nearly 3,000 people were arrested, including more than 1,200 in one day. This set a record for most civil disobedience arrests in a single protest. On October 12, 1992, an 11-day protest took place at the Test Site. At the invitation of the Western Shoshone Tribe and Corbin Harney , an anti-nuclear activist and spiritual leader for the Newe people, over 2000 protesters from 12 different countries gathered for "Healing Global Wounds". In their media work, protesters and organizers demanded an end to nuclear weapons testing and return of
608-592: Is privately managed and operated by Mission Support and Test Services LLC, a joint venture of Honeywell , Jacobs , and Huntington Ingalls , on behalf of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The mushroom clouds from the 100 atmospheric tests were visible from almost 100 mi (160 km) away; they could be seen from the Las Vegas Strip in the early 1950s. Many iconic images at nuclear science museums throughout
684-453: Is privately managed and operated by Mission Support and Test Services LLC, a joint venture of Honeywell , Jacobs , and Huntington Ingalls , on behalf of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The mushroom clouds from the 100 atmospheric tests were visible from almost 100 mi (160 km) away; they could be seen from the Las Vegas Strip in the early 1950s. Many iconic images at nuclear science museums throughout
760-438: Is 20 picocuries per liter (0.74 Bq/L).) Although radioactivity levels in the water continue to decline over time, the longer-lived isotopes like plutonium or uranium could pose risks for thousands of years. The Department of Energy has more than 48 monitoring wells at the site. Because the contaminated water poses no immediate health threat, the department ranked the site as low priority for clean-up. In 2009, tritium with
836-438: Is 20 picocuries per liter (0.74 Bq/L).) Although radioactivity levels in the water continue to decline over time, the longer-lived isotopes like plutonium or uranium could pose risks for thousands of years. The Department of Energy has more than 48 monitoring wells at the site. Because the contaminated water poses no immediate health threat, the department ranked the site as low priority for clean-up. In 2009, tritium with
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#1732847875112912-626: The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 provides compensation and medical benefits for nuclear weapons workers who may have developed certain work-related illnesses. Uranium miners, mill workers, and ore transporters are also eligible for $ 100,000 compassionate payment under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program , while $ 75,000 is the fixed payment amount for workers who were participants in
988-441: The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 provides compensation and medical benefits for nuclear weapons workers who may have developed certain work-related illnesses. Uranium miners, mill workers, and ore transporters are also eligible for $ 100,000 compassionate payment under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program , while $ 75,000 is the fixed payment amount for workers who were participants in
1064-1023: The Nevada Proving Grounds of the United States Army , the site was acquired in 1951 to be the testing venue for the American nuclear devices . The first atmospheric test was conducted at the site's Frenchman Flat area by the United States Atomic Energy Commission (USAEC) on January 27, 1951. About 928 nuclear tests were conducted here through 1994, when the United States stopped its underground nuclear testing. The site consists of about 1,350 sq mi (3,500 km ) of desert and mountainous terrain. Some 1,100 buildings in 28 areas are connected by 400 mi (640 km) of paved roads, 300 mi (480 km) of unpaved roads, ten heliports , and two airstrips. The site
1140-482: The United States Atomic Energy Commission (USAEC) on January 27, 1951. About 928 nuclear tests were conducted here through 1994, when the United States stopped its underground nuclear testing. The site consists of about 1,350 sq mi (3,500 km ) of desert and mountainous terrain. Some 1,100 buildings in 28 areas are connected by 400 mi (640 km) of paved roads, 300 mi (480 km) of unpaved roads, ten heliports , and two airstrips. The site
1216-488: The United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion of Nye County , Nevada, about 65 mi (105 km) northwest of the city of Las Vegas . Formerly known as the Nevada Proving Grounds of the United States Army , the site was acquired in 1951 to be the testing venue for the American nuclear devices . The first atmospheric test was conducted at the site's Frenchman Flat area by
1292-485: The Yucca Flats at the site. Winds routinely carried the fallout of these tests directly through St. George and southern Utah. Marked increases in cancers such as leukemia , lymphoma , thyroid cancer , breast cancer , melanoma , bone cancer , brain tumors , and gastrointestinal tract cancers were reported from the mid-1950s through 1980. On May 19, 1953, the 32- kiloton (130 TJ ) atomic bomb (nicknamed "Harry")
1368-432: The Yucca Flats at the site. Winds routinely carried the fallout of these tests directly through St. George and southern Utah. Marked increases in cancers such as leukemia , lymphoma , thyroid cancer , breast cancer , melanoma , bone cancer , brain tumors , and gastrointestinal tract cancers were reported from the mid-1950s through 1980. On May 19, 1953, the 32- kiloton (130 TJ ) atomic bomb (nicknamed "Harry")
1444-503: The water table . When underground explosions ended in 1992, the Department of Energy estimated that more than 300 megacuries (11 EBq) of radioactivity remained in the environment at that time, making the site one of the most contaminated locations in the United States. In the most seriously affected zones, the concentration of radioactivity in groundwater reaches millions of picocuries per liter. (The federal standard for drinking water
1520-450: The water table . When underground explosions ended in 1992, the Department of Energy estimated that more than 300 megacuries (11 EBq) of radioactivity remained in the environment at that time, making the site one of the most contaminated locations in the United States. In the most seriously affected zones, the concentration of radioactivity in groundwater reaches millions of picocuries per liter. (The federal standard for drinking water
1596-408: The " Atomic Cannon " and was viewed by a number of high-ranking military officials. The test series was notable as containing the first time an AFAP shell was fired ( GRABLE Shot), the first two shots (both fizzles ) by University of California Radiation Laboratory—Livermore (now Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory ), and for testing out some of the thermonuclear components that would be used for
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#17328478751121672-404: The 1950s, the mushroom clouds from atmospheric tests could be seen for almost 100 mi (160 km). The city of Las Vegas experienced noticeable seismic effects, and the distant mushroom clouds, which could be seen from the downtown hotels, became tourist attractions . The last atmospheric test detonation at the site was " Little Feller I " of Operation Sunbeam , on July 17, 1962. Although
1748-404: The 1950s, the mushroom clouds from atmospheric tests could be seen for almost 100 mi (160 km). The city of Las Vegas experienced noticeable seismic effects, and the distant mushroom clouds, which could be seen from the downtown hotels, became tourist attractions . The last atmospheric test detonation at the site was " Little Feller I " of Operation Sunbeam , on July 17, 1962. Although
1824-517: The Soviet-led Warsaw Pact ) and civil-defense as well as "backyard"-type shelters. In such a typical test, several of the same buildings and structures might be built using the same layouts and plans with different types of materials, paints, general landscaping, cleanliness of the surrounding yards, wall-angles or varying distances from ground zero. Mannequins were placed in and around the test vehicles and buildings, aside from some left out in
1900-452: The Soviet-led Warsaw Pact ) and civil-defense as well as "backyard"-type shelters. In such a typical test, several of the same buildings and structures might be built using the same layouts and plans with different types of materials, paints, general landscaping, cleanliness of the surrounding yards, wall-angles or varying distances from ground zero. Mannequins were placed in and around the test vehicles and buildings, aside from some left out in
1976-483: The United States come from the site. Las Vegas experienced noticeable seismic effects. Westerly winds routinely carried the fallout from atmospheric nuclear tests, increasing cancer in Utah and elsewhere, according to a 1984 medical report. The site has hosted 536 publicized and organized anti-nuclear protests , with 37,488 participants and 15,740 involved in arrests, according to government records. The site
2052-437: The United States come from the site. Las Vegas experienced noticeable seismic effects. Westerly winds routinely carried the fallout from atmospheric nuclear tests, increasing cancer in Utah and elsewhere, according to a 1984 medical report. The site has hosted 536 publicized and organized anti-nuclear protests , with 37,488 participants and 15,740 involved in arrests, according to government records. The site
2128-591: The United States did not ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty , it honors the articles of the treaty, and underground testing of weapons ended as of September 23, 1992. Subcritical tests not involving a critical mass continued. One notable test shot was the " Sedan " shot of Operation Storax on July 6, 1962, a 104-kiloton-of-TNT (440 TJ) shot for Operation Plowshare , which sought to prove that nuclear weapons could be used for peaceful means in creating bays or canals. It created
2204-512: The United States did not ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty , it honors the articles of the treaty, and underground testing of weapons ended as of September 23, 1992. Subcritical tests not involving a critical mass continued. One notable test shot was the " Sedan " shot of Operation Storax on July 6, 1962, a 104-kiloton-of-TNT (440 TJ) shot for Operation Plowshare , which sought to prove that nuclear weapons could be used for peaceful means in creating bays or canals. It created
2280-410: The above-ground nuclear weapons tests. The site is broken down into areas. Some of the areas and their uses include the following: Area 1 held eight nuclear tests for a total of nine detonations. Four early atmospheric tests were conducted above Area 1 in the early 1950s, as well as three underground tests in 1971 and 1990. In 1955, a Civil Defense experiment (called Operation Cue in
2356-410: The above-ground nuclear weapons tests. The site is broken down into areas. Some of the areas and their uses include the following: Area 1 held eight nuclear tests for a total of nine detonations. Four early atmospheric tests were conducted above Area 1 in the early 1950s, as well as three underground tests in 1971 and 1990. In 1955, a Civil Defense experiment (called Operation Cue in
Operation Upshot–Knothole - Misplaced Pages Continue
2432-505: The center of the blast. Operation Cue tested civil defense measures. Such civilian and commercial effects testing was done with many of the atomic tests of Operation Greenhouse on Eniwetok Atoll , Operation Upshot-Knothole and Operation Teapot at the site. Homes and commercial buildings of many different types and styles were built to standards typical of American and (less-often) European cities. Other such structures included military fortifications (of types used by both NATO and
2508-505: The center of the blast. Operation Cue tested civil defense measures. Such civilian and commercial effects testing was done with many of the atomic tests of Operation Greenhouse on Eniwetok Atoll , Operation Upshot-Knothole and Operation Teapot at the site. Homes and commercial buildings of many different types and styles were built to standards typical of American and (less-often) European cities. Other such structures included military fortifications (of types used by both NATO and
2584-527: The effect of radiation on the plants but this plan had to be changed when the United States abandoned atmospheric testing in 1963. The sites however became important because they recorded long term change through 1980. Much of her data was never published; however it was all transferred to the United States Geological Survey after her death. It was "an ideal place to conduct long-term ecosystem research." In 1983, four Greenpeace activists made
2660-454: The effect of radiation on the plants but this plan had to be changed when the United States abandoned atmospheric testing in 1963. The sites however became important because they recorded long term change through 1980. Much of her data was never published; however it was all transferred to the United States Geological Survey after her death. It was "an ideal place to conduct long-term ecosystem research." In 1983, four Greenpeace activists made
2736-504: The first incursion into the site of an active test. Two American men, one from West Germany and one from the United Kingdom hiked 30 miles on foot to hide in the desert near ground zero at Yucca Flats. The four evaded capture for a week with the stated objective of delaying the test, and were charged with trespassing. From 1986 through 1994, two years after the United States ended nuclear weapons testing, 536 demonstrations were held at
2812-447: The first incursion into the site of an active test. Two American men, one from West Germany and one from the United Kingdom hiked 30 miles on foot to hide in the desert near ground zero at Yucca Flats. The four evaded capture for a week with the stated objective of delaying the test, and were charged with trespassing. From 1986 through 1994, two years after the United States ended nuclear weapons testing, 536 demonstrations were held at
2888-581: The former site of tests EASY, SIMON, APPLE-2, and GALILEO. Download coordinates as: A table of interesting places in and around the NNSS is presented here, which corresponds with many of the descriptions in the Nevada Test Site Guide. Many communities east of the Nevada Test Site, including Cedar City , Enterprise , and St. George, Utah , received fallout from above-ground nuclear testing in
2964-410: The former site of tests EASY, SIMON, APPLE-2, and GALILEO. Download coordinates as: A table of interesting places in and around the NNSS is presented here, which corresponds with many of the descriptions in the Nevada Test Site Guide. Many communities east of the Nevada Test Site, including Cedar City , Enterprise , and St. George, Utah , received fallout from above-ground nuclear testing in
3040-456: The massive thermonuclear series of Operation Castle . One primary device ( RACER ) was tested in thermonuclear system mockup assemblies of TX-14 , TX-16 , and TX-17 / TX-24 , to examine and evaluate the behaviour of radiation cases and the compression of the secondary geometries by the primary's x-rays prior to full-scale testing during Castle . Following RACER's dodgy performance, the COBRA primary
3116-480: The open, for testing clothing and shock effects. High-speed cameras were placed in protected locations to capture effects of radiation and shock waves. Typical imagery from these cameras shows paint boiling off the buildings, which are then pushed violently away from ground zero by the shock wave before being drawn toward the detonation by the suction caused by the climbing mushroom cloud. Footage from these cameras has become iconic, used in various media and available in
Operation Upshot–Knothole - Misplaced Pages Continue
3192-480: The open, for testing clothing and shock effects. High-speed cameras were placed in protected locations to capture effects of radiation and shock waves. Typical imagery from these cameras shows paint boiling off the buildings, which are then pushed violently away from ground zero by the shock wave before being drawn toward the detonation by the suction caused by the climbing mushroom cloud. Footage from these cameras has become iconic, used in various media and available in
3268-485: The press) studied nuclear blast effects on various building types; a few structures still stand. Heavy drilling equipment and concrete construction facilities are sited in Area 1. Non-destructive X-ray, gamma ray, and subcritical detonation tests continue to be conducted in Area 1. The radioactivity present on the ground in Area 1 provides a radiologically contaminated environment for the training of first responders . Area 2
3344-438: The press) studied nuclear blast effects on various building types; a few structures still stand. Heavy drilling equipment and concrete construction facilities are sited in Area 1. Non-destructive X-ray, gamma ray, and subcritical detonation tests continue to be conducted in Area 1. The radioactivity present on the ground in Area 1 provides a radiologically contaminated environment for the training of first responders . Area 2
3420-527: The protests of the work at the site and staged efforts to stop a repository for highly radioactive waste adjacent to the test site at nearby Yucca Mountain . The site continues to be used for nuclear weapons research and development. This includes subcritical testing. These tests are conducted jointly by Los Alamos National Laboratory , Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory , and the British Atomic Weapons Establishment . A recent one
3496-448: The protests of the work at the site and staged efforts to stop a repository for highly radioactive waste adjacent to the test site at nearby Yucca Mountain . The site continues to be used for nuclear weapons research and development. This includes subcritical testing. These tests are conducted jointly by Los Alamos National Laboratory , Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory , and the British Atomic Weapons Establishment . A recent one
3572-474: The public domain. This testing allowed the development of Civil Defense guidelines, distributed to the public, to increase the likelihood of survival in case of air- or spaceborne nuclear attack. Each of the below-ground explosions—some as deep as 5,000 feet (1.5 km)—vaporized a large chamber, leaving a cavity filled with radioactive rubble. About a third of the tests were conducted directly in aquifers , and others were hundreds or thousands of feet below
3648-474: The public domain. This testing allowed the development of Civil Defense guidelines, distributed to the public, to increase the likelihood of survival in case of air- or spaceborne nuclear attack. Each of the below-ground explosions—some as deep as 5,000 feet (1.5 km)—vaporized a large chamber, leaving a cavity filled with radioactive rubble. About a third of the tests were conducted directly in aquifers , and others were hundreds or thousands of feet below
3724-563: The site after nearly 2,000 demonstrators held a rally to protest nuclear weapons testing. Those arrested included the astronomer Carl Sagan and the actors Kris Kristofferson , Martin Sheen , and Robert Blake . Five Democratic members of Congress attended the rally: Thomas J. Downey , Mike Lowry , Jim Bates , Leon E. Panetta , and Barbara Boxer . American Peace Test (APT) and Nevada Desert Experience (NDE) held most of these. In March 1988, APT held an event where more than 8,000 people attended
3800-515: The site after nearly 2,000 demonstrators held a rally to protest nuclear weapons testing. Those arrested included the astronomer Carl Sagan and the actors Kris Kristofferson , Martin Sheen , and Robert Blake . Five Democratic members of Congress attended the rally: Thomas J. Downey , Mike Lowry , Jim Bates , Leon E. Panetta , and Barbara Boxer . American Peace Test (APT) and Nevada Desert Experience (NDE) held most of these. In March 1988, APT held an event where more than 8,000 people attended
3876-425: The site for at least two years in particular Nevada, Arizona, or Utah counties, between January 21, 1951, and October 31, 1958, or June 30 and July 31, 1962, and suffering from certain cancers or other serious illnesses deemed to have been caused by fallout exposure to receive compensation of $ 50,000. By 2014, over 28,000 downwinder claims for a total compensation of $ 1.9 billion had been processed. Additionally,
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#17328478751123952-425: The site for at least two years in particular Nevada, Arizona, or Utah counties, between January 21, 1951, and October 31, 1958, or June 30 and July 31, 1962, and suffering from certain cancers or other serious illnesses deemed to have been caused by fallout exposure to receive compensation of $ 50,000. By 2014, over 28,000 downwinder claims for a total compensation of $ 1.9 billion had been processed. Additionally,
4028-411: The site for disposal. Testing of the various effects of detonation of nuclear weapons was carried out during above-ground tests. Many kinds of vehicles (ranging from cars to aircraft), nuclear-fallout and standard bomb-shelters, public-utility stations and other building structures and equipment were placed at measured distances away from "ground zero", the spot on the surface immediately under or over
4104-411: The site for disposal. Testing of the various effects of detonation of nuclear weapons was carried out during above-ground tests. Many kinds of vehicles (ranging from cars to aircraft), nuclear-fallout and standard bomb-shelters, public-utility stations and other building structures and equipment were placed at measured distances away from "ground zero", the spot on the surface immediately under or over
4180-486: The site involving 37,488 participants and 15,740 arrests, according to government records. In 1986, a coalition of organizations including Greenpeace sent protestors into Frenchman's Flat From 1986 through 1994, two years after the United States ended nuclear weapons testing, 536 demonstrations were held at the site involving 37,488 participants and 15,740 arrests, according to government records. On February 5, 1987, more than 400 people were arrested trying to enter
4256-486: The site involving 37,488 participants and 15,740 arrests, according to government records. In 1986, a coalition of organizations including Greenpeace sent protestors into Frenchman's Flat From 1986 through 1994, two years after the United States ended nuclear weapons testing, 536 demonstrations were held at the site involving 37,488 participants and 15,740 arrests, according to government records. On February 5, 1987, more than 400 people were arrested trying to enter
4332-456: The site is the location of the Area ;5 Radioactive Waste Management Complex, which sorts and stores low-level radioactive waste that is not transuranic and has a half life of less than 20 years. The Radiological/Nuclear WMD Incident Exercise Site (T-1) replicates multiple terrorist radiological incidents with train, plane, automobile, truck, and helicopter props. It is located in Area 1, at
4408-404: The site is the location of the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Complex, which sorts and stores low-level radioactive waste that is not transuranic and has a half life of less than 20 years. The Radiological/Nuclear WMD Incident Exercise Site (T-1) replicates multiple terrorist radiological incidents with train, plane, automobile, truck, and helicopter props. It is located in Area 1, at
4484-556: The test site to the Western Shoshone people. Camped in the desert, participants took part in anti-racism and peaceful civil disobedience trainings. They planned actions and demonstrations, eventually using culverts and other means to enter the Test Site where 530 were arrested by Wackenhut Security forces on charges of trespassing. Full-scale nuclear weapons testing did not resume. After 1994, Shundahai Network in cooperation with Nevada Desert Experience and Corbin Harney continued
4560-497: The test site to the Western Shoshone people. Camped in the desert, participants took part in anti-racism and peaceful civil disobedience trainings. They planned actions and demonstrations, eventually using culverts and other means to enter the Test Site where 530 were arrested by Wackenhut Security forces on charges of trespassing. Full-scale nuclear weapons testing did not resume. After 1994, Shundahai Network in cooperation with Nevada Desert Experience and Corbin Harney continued
4636-613: The tests were substandard to best practices at the time. In a report by the National Cancer Institute , released in 1997, it was determined that 90 atmospheric tests at the site deposited high levels of radioactive iodine - 131 (5.5 exabecquerels ) across much of the contiguous United States, especially in the years 1952, 1953, 1955, and 1957 – doses large enough, it claimed, to produce 10,000 to 75,000 cases of thyroid cancer . The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 allowed for people living downwind of
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#17328478751124712-546: The tests were substandard to best practices at the time. In a report by the National Cancer Institute , released in 1997, it was determined that 90 atmospheric tests at the site deposited high levels of radioactive iodine - 131 (5.5 exabecquerels ) across much of the contiguous United States, especially in the years 1952, 1953, 1955, and 1957 – doses large enough, it claimed, to produce 10,000 to 75,000 cases of thyroid cancer . The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 allowed for people living downwind of
4788-546: The total number of NTS nuclear detonations to 1,021, of which 921 were underground). The site contains many subsidence craters from the testing. The site was the United States' primary location for tests smaller than 1 Mt (4.2 PJ). One hundred twenty-six tests were conducted elsewhere, including most larger tests. Many of these occurred at the Pacific Proving Grounds in the Marshall Islands . During
4864-423: The total number of NTS nuclear detonations to 1,021, of which 921 were underground). The site contains many subsidence craters from the testing. The site was the United States' primary location for tests smaller than 1 Mt (4.2 PJ). One hundred twenty-six tests were conducted elsewhere, including most larger tests. Many of these occurred at the Pacific Proving Grounds in the Marshall Islands . During
4940-442: Was Ediza (2019), and Nightshade A (2020). The site offers monthly public tours, often booked months in advance. Visitors are not allowed to bring cameras, binoculars, or cell phones, nor are they permitted to pick up rocks for souvenirs. While there are no longer any explosive tests of nuclear weapons at the site, there is still testing done to determine the viability of the United States' aging nuclear arsenal. Additionally,
5016-442: Was Ediza (2019), and Nightshade A (2020). The site offers monthly public tours, often booked months in advance. Visitors are not allowed to bring cameras, binoculars, or cell phones, nor are they permitted to pick up rocks for souvenirs. While there are no longer any explosive tests of nuclear weapons at the site, there is still testing done to determine the viability of the United States' aging nuclear arsenal. Additionally,
5092-1907: Was 31 kilotonnes of TNT (130 TJ), actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was 26 kilotonnes of TNT (110 TJ). 37°02′52″N 116°01′19″W / 37.0477°N 116.022°W / 37.0477; -116.022 ( Annie ) 37°05′44″N 116°06′13″W / 37.0955°N 116.1037°W / 37.0955; -116.1037 ( Nancy ) 37°04′58″N 116°01′29″W / 37.0827°N 116.0248°W / 37.0827; -116.0248 ( Ruth ) "Hydride I" 37°05′05″N 116°01′08″W / 37.0847°N 116.0189°W / 37.0847; -116.0189 ( Dixie ) "DD-1" 37°05′56″N 116°05′36″W / 37.09889°N 116.09332°W / 37.09889; -116.09332 ( Ray ) "Hydride II" 37°08′18″N 116°07′07″W / 37.1383°N 116.1187°W / 37.1383; -116.1187 ( Badger ) 37°03′11″N 116°06′13″W / 37.053°N 116.1036°W / 37.053; -116.1036 ( Simon ) 36°48′00″N 115°55′44″W / 36.8°N 115.929°W / 36.8; -115.929 ( Encore ) 37°02′25″N 116°01′34″W / 37.0402°N 116.0261°W / 37.0402; -116.0261 ( Harry ) 36°42′15″N 115°58′26″W / 36.70428°N 115.97387°W / 36.70428; -115.97387 ( Launch_Grable ) , elv: 950 + 5 m (3,117 + 16 ft); Detonation over NTS 36°47′35″N 115°54′56″W / 36.793°N 115.9156°W / 36.793; -115.9156 ( Grable ) 37°05′15″N 116°01′09″W / 37.0875°N 116.0192°W / 37.0875; -116.0192 ( Climax ) Nevada Test Site Formerly known as
5168-462: Was 40 kilotonnes of TNT (170 TJ), actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was 24.5 kilotonnes of TNT (103 TJ). Planned yield for Simon was 33 kilotonnes of TNT (140 TJ), actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was 43.4 kilotonnes of TNT (182 TJ). Planned yield for Harry was 37 kilotonnes of TNT (150 TJ), actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was 27 kilotonnes of TNT (110 TJ). Planned yield for Encore
5244-481: Was concentrated in the cohort of children born between 1951 and 1958, and was most pronounced in those residing in counties receiving high fallout. In 1982, a lawsuit brought by nearly 1,200 people accused the government of negligence in atomic and/or nuclear weapons testing at the site, which they said had caused leukemia and other cancers . Dr. Karl Z. Morgan , Director of Health Physics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory , testified that radiation protection measures in
5320-481: Was concentrated in the cohort of children born between 1951 and 1958, and was most pronounced in those residing in counties receiving high fallout. In 1982, a lawsuit brought by nearly 1,200 people accused the government of negligence in atomic and/or nuclear weapons testing at the site, which they said had caused leukemia and other cancers . Dr. Karl Z. Morgan , Director of Health Physics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory , testified that radiation protection measures in
5396-722: Was detonated at the site. The bomb later gained the name " Dirty Harry " because of the amount of off-site fallout generated by the bomb. A 1962 United States Atomic Energy Commission report found that "children living in St. George, Utah may have received doses to the thyroid of radioiodine as high as 120 to 440 rads " (1.2 to 4.4 Gy). A 1979 study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that: A significant excess of leukemia deaths occurred in children up to 14 years of age living in Utah between 1959 and 1967. This excess
5472-570: Was detonated at the site. The bomb later gained the name " Dirty Harry " because of the amount of off-site fallout generated by the bomb. A 1962 United States Atomic Energy Commission report found that "children living in St. George, Utah may have received doses to the thyroid of radioiodine as high as 120 to 440 rads " (1.2 to 4.4 Gy). A 1979 study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that: A significant excess of leukemia deaths occurred in children up to 14 years of age living in Utah between 1959 and 1967. This excess
5548-518: Was established as a 680-square-mile (1,800 km ) area by President Harry S. Truman on December 18, 1950, within the Nellis Air Force Gunnery and Bombing Range . The site was the primary testing location of American nuclear devices from 1951 to 1992; 928 announced nuclear tests occurred there. Of those, 828 were underground (62 of the underground tests included multiple, simultaneous nuclear detonations, adding 93 detonations and bringing
5624-452: Was established as a 680-square-mile (1,800 km ) area by President Harry S. Truman on December 18, 1950, within the Nellis Air Force Gunnery and Bombing Range . The site was the primary testing location of American nuclear devices from 1951 to 1992; 928 announced nuclear tests occurred there. Of those, 828 were underground (62 of the underground tests included multiple, simultaneous nuclear detonations, adding 93 detonations and bringing
5700-399: Was the site of 144 tests comprising 169 detonations. A test named "Gabbs" was intended for early 1993 but was cancelled in 1992 due to a pre-emptive halt to testing based on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty . Nevada National Security Site The Nevada National Security Sites ( N2S2 or NNSS ), popularized as the Nevada Test Site ( NTS ) until 2010, is a reservation of
5776-600: Was used in the emergency capability ALARM CLOCK , JUGHEAD , RUNT I , RUNT II thermonuclear devices, as well as in the SHRIMP device. RACER IV (as redesigned and proof-tested in the Simon test) was employed as primary for the ZOMBIE, RAMROD and MORGENSTERN devices. Planned yield for Annie was 15 kilotonnes of TNT (63 TJ), actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was 16.2 kilotonnes of TNT (68 TJ). Planned yield for Nancy
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