Operation Grommet facts for kids

The United States's Grommet nuclear test series was a set of 34 nuclear tests carried out by the United States between 1971 and 1972. These tests were done underground. They followed the Operation Emery series and came before the Operation Toggle series.

What Was the Grommet Nuclear Test Series?

The Grommet series was a collection of nuclear tests. These tests were part of the United States' efforts to develop and improve nuclear weapons. They also helped scientists understand how these weapons worked underground.

Where Did These Tests Happen?

Most of the Grommet tests took place at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). This is a large area in Nevada, USA, used for testing. One very large test, called Cannikin, happened far away on Amchitka Island in Alaska.

When Did the Tests Take Place?

The tests in the Grommet series happened over two years. They started in 1971 and finished in 1972.

How Were the Tests Done?

All the tests in the Grommet series were done underground. This means the nuclear devices were placed deep inside the Earth. They were either in long tunnels or in deep shafts (like big holes). This was done to contain the explosions underground.

What Was the Biggest Test?

The largest test in the Grommet series was named Cannikin. It took place on November 6, 1971, on Amchitka Island, Alaska. This test had a huge yield of 4.8 megatons. This means it was as powerful as 4.8 million tons of TNT! It was the biggest underground nuclear test ever done. The Cannikin test was specifically designed to test a warhead for a missile defense system called the Spartan ABM.

What Was "Venting" During Tests?

Sometimes, during an underground nuclear test, some radioactive gases could escape into the air. This was called "venting." It meant that the explosion wasn't fully contained underground. For example, the Miniata test caused some venting, releasing a small amount of radioactive material. Other tests like Bracken, Diagonal Line, Dianthus, Sappho, Kara, and Merida also had some venting detected.

Why Were These Tests Important?

The Grommet tests helped scientists and engineers learn more about nuclear weapons. They worked on making weapons better and safer. Some tests were also for "peaceful research" or "safety experiments." For example, the Diamond Mine test helped test ways to detect underground nuclear explosions. This was important for agreements that aimed to limit nuclear testing.

Images for kids

• NNSA-NSO-1347.jpg

  A structure called the "Ship of the Desert" used to capture neutrons during the Diagonal Line test.