those are rockets launched to create smoke trails. The smoke trails were used to study the velocity of the shock-wave emanating from the explosion. A comprehen

those are rockets launched to create smoke trails. The smoke trails were used to study the velocity of the shock-wave emanating from the explosion. A comprehensive explanation can be found here. http://www.atomcentral.com/atomic-smoke-trails.aspx http://www.atomcentral.com/atomic-smoke-trails.aspx