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space-iconSpace and Physicsspace-iconphysics
clock-iconPUBLISHEDJanuary 27, 2017

What Would Happen If A Nuclear Bomb Was Dropped On A City?

Tom Hale headshot

Tom Hale

Tom has a Master's degree in Journalism. His editorial work covers anything from archaeology and the environment to technology and culture.

Senior Journalist

Tom has a Master's degree in Journalism. His editorial work covers anything from archaeology and the environment to technology and culture.View full profile

Tom has a Master's degree in Journalism. His editorial work covers anything from archaeology and the environment to technology and culture.

View full profile
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The BAKER test of Operation Crossroads, July 25, 1946. Everett Historical/Shutterstock


Curiosity about nuclear bombs is sky-high at the moment (for some inexplicable reason), so the guys over at YouTube channel AsapSCIENCE have delivered a new video filled with dozens of fascinating bits of knowledge on the hard science behind atomic warfare.  

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For example, a 1 megaton bomb blast – a fairly heavy bomb yield strength – would produce an estimated 163 tonnes (180 tons) of force against any two-story building within a 6-kilometer (3.7 miles) radius, amid wind speeds of up to 255 kilometers (158 miles) an hour. Yeesh.

All in all, it's absolutely terrifying but mighty interesting. And that's not even considering the fallout, radiation sickness, and nuclear winters. 

Check it out below.


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