The Reality of a 1 Megaton ICBM Detonation at 75 Miles: A Comprehensive Guide
When a single 1 megaton Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is headed for a city, 75 miles from where you live, what would you do? The answer might surprise you. The primary reality is that, from 75 miles away, you have more reason to prepare for a spectacle reminiscent of fireworks than to fear the blast itself. This article delves into the actual outcomes and behaviors one should adopt in such a scenario.
Relax and Enjoy the Show
Once you've heard the news, set your garden chair facing the city in question, place on your sunglasses, and grab your favorite cold beer and popcorn. Enjoy the spectacular light and sound show. A 1 megaton detonation 75 miles away is nothing more than a grand fireworks display from this distance. Here's why:
A former NCOIC of NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) warfare, 631st Tactical Control Flight USAFE, emphasizes that you could approach it like a fireworks show. At such a distance, the time lag between the flash and the sound is over five minutes. Grab a camera to capture the moment; it's far outside the effective blast radius.
A Sign of Awe, Not Woe
Despite the blinding flash and thunderous sound waves, a 1 megaton detonation 75 miles away is still a significant distance. It is far outside the blast radius, meaning there's no need to think about sheltering yourself. From 75 miles away, the blast's intensity dramatically diminishes.
For reference, a one megaton detonation would only barely shatter glass window panes and rattle roof tiles around 18 to 20 miles from ground zero. At 75 miles, it's nothing more than a distant, awe-inspiring spectacle. Your primary concerns should be the safety of your loved ones and friends living in the city, and possibly the potential fallout and its aftermath.
Communicate and Stay Prepared
Once you've set up your viewing stand, call your loved ones and friends within the city to inform them of the situation. Advise them on the best shelters to take and guide them on what to do in case of questions or further instructions. Additionally, monitor the prevailing winds to understand whether you might be downwind from potential fallout. While fallout is a minor concern at this distance, it still warrants attention.
Analyze the potential impact of the aftermath. The blast and its immediate effects may overload civil services and disrupt commerce and supply chains. Though the primary blast danger is minimal, secondary effects such as infrastructure damage and resource shortages become pressing concerns.
Understanding Nuclear Reality
Many people have an exaggerated sense of how large and devastating nuclear blasts are. While they are the largest and most destructive weapons known, the general perception often overestimates their impact. It's crucial to educate oneself on the actual dimensions of such blasts.
For instance, even the largest and moderately sheltered nukes have a decent chance of survival for the short-term effects of a nuclear blast even just 12 to 13 miles away. For average-sized nukes, this distance is about 7 to 8 miles. Thus, from 75 miles away, the residual effects are minimal and non-life-threatening.
Equip yourself with knowledge and prepare to handle the situational awareness gracefully during such unexpected events, understanding the true nature and scale of nuclear detentions, and sharing facts to dispel fear and misinformation.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, enjoy the grand spectacle of nature's power without losing sight of the reality.