2 ms·
There's large practical and psychological differences between subcritical experiments in labs, and detonating megaton-sized nuclear weapons in underground tests
by perihelions 1y ago
There's large practical and psychological differences between subcritical experiments in labs, and detonating megaton-sized nuclear weapons in underground tests. (At least I hope it's still underground; with this leadership, anything is possible).
The US hasn't detonated a nuclear weapon since 1992. You can call the distinction a technicality if you like, but it doesn't seem like one to me.
- nabla9 1y agoSubcritical experiments are done in underground test sites. US does them 1,000 feet underground inside boreholes in Nevada test site because the explosion releases plutonium. Hiroshima has a Peace "Watch" Tower where they show number of days since last nuclear experiment and they count subcritical tests also. There is psychological effect, but it's not that important. More important is keeping nuclear test ban in effect. If the US does test, Russia and China will follow.