What would happen if a nuclear bomb exploded in space?

by times news cr

2024-05-14 04:23:31

Can nuclear weapons be used in space? Recently, Russia took a step towards realizing this idea. Contrary to a UN resolution supported by the US and Japan, the country has blocked plans to prevent the development and deployment of nuclear weapons beyond Earth.

Science Focus reports this.

It can be assumed that the explosion of a nuclear bomb on Earth and in space will be significantly different. Michael Mulvihill, a scientist at the University of Teesside who specializes in astro-geopolitical research and a member of the astropolitics working group of the British International Studies Association, explained what consequences could occur if a nuclear bomb were to explode over the Earth.

“When a nuclear weapon detonates on Earth, large amounts of energy are released in the form of X-rays. These rays superheat the atmosphere, causing it to explode into a fireball. This is what creates the characteristic mushroom cloud,” Mulvihill said.

However, there is no atmosphere in space, which eliminates the occurrence of mushroom clouds and shock waves during the explosion of a nuclear bomb. However, this does not reduce the dire consequences of the event. An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a burst of energy that interacts with the upper atmosphere to release electrons, blinding radar systems, disrupting communications, and disrupting electrical power systems.

As a result of the explosion, a radiation belt is formed around the Earth, which persists for several months, and possibly years. No one can predict exactly how long this will last. The radiation is sure to damage satellites orbiting the planet and poses a serious threat to astronauts on the ISS.

Space is becoming more and more saturated with satellites. There are currently about 10,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit, with tens of thousands more planned to be launched in the coming years. This significantly increases the risk of using nuclear power in space as we become increasingly dependent on systems placed in orbit.

One of the most impressive and at the same time exciting consequences of a nuclear explosion in orbit can be a bright phenomenon in the form of auroras, which will be visible over vast distances and last for several days.

Previously, Cursor wrote that researchers Matt Boyd and Nick Wilson identified the best countries where you can survive after a nuclear disaster. They took into account factors such as the speed at which food and energy production was restored in the region, as well as the availability of shelters to survive mass disasters.

2024-05-14 04:23:31

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