National Atomic Testing Museum facts for kids
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| Established | March 2005 |
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| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Type | History museum |
The National Atomic Testing Museum is a cool place in Las Vegas, Nevada. It tells the story of nuclear testing that happened at the Nevada Test Site. This site is in the Mojave Desert, about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Las Vegas. The museum is connected to the famous Smithsonian Institution.
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About the Museum
The National Atomic Testing Museum opened in March 2005. It was first called the "Atomic Testing Museum." A group called the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation runs it. The museum is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, at 755 E. Flamingo Rd. It's near the Harry Reid International Airport and the Las Vegas Strip.
Becoming a National Museum
On December 31, 2011, President Barack Obama signed a bill. This bill made the museum a national museum. It became officially connected with the Smithsonian Institution. The National Atomic Testing Museum is now one of 37 national museums in the U.S.
What You Can See: Museum Exhibits
The museum shows the history of American nuclear testing. It covers the time from the first test at the Nevada Test Site on January 27, 1951, until today.
Experience the "Ground Zero Theater"
One exciting part is the "Ground Zero Theater." It lets you feel what it was like to watch an atmospheric nuclear test. It's a powerful experience.
Other Cool Displays
You can see many interesting things at the museum.
- There are Geiger counters and other devices that check for radiation.
- You can also find old items from Native American tribes who lived near the test area.
- The museum has fun pop culture items related to the "atomic age."
- You'll see equipment that was used for testing nuclear devices.
- There are videos and interactive displays that teach you about radiation.
- The museum even has a piece of the Berlin Wall.
- You can also see two pieces from the World Trade Center.
Area 51 Exhibit
In 2012, the museum added a special exhibit about Area 51. This exhibit was made even bigger two years later. It's a popular part of the museum.
Weather Monitoring Station
Outside the museum, there is a weather station. This station collects weather information for downtown Las Vegas. It records things like temperature and wind speed. It also measures background gamma radiation levels. This station is part of a bigger network called the Community Environmental Monitoring Network (CEMP).
See also
- How to Photograph an Atomic Bomb
- American Museum of Science and Energy
- Bradbury Science Museum
- National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
