Operation Tumbler–Snapper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Operation Tumbler–Snapper |
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This photo was taken just milliseconds after a nuclear device exploded during the "Tumbler-Snapper" tests. You can faintly see the tower where it was set off. The downward spikes are called "rope tricks".
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| Information | |
| Country | United States |
| Test site |
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| Period | 1952 |
| Number of tests | 8 |
| Test type | free air drop, tower |
| Max. yield | 31 kilotonnes of TNT (130 TJ) |
| Navigation | |
| Previous test series | Operation Buster–Jangle |
| Next test series | Operation Ivy |
Operation Tumbler–Snapper was a group of nuclear weapons tests carried out by the United States. These tests happened in early 1952 at the Nevada Test Site. This series of tests came after Operation Buster–Jangle and before Operation Ivy.
Contents
Understanding the Tests
The Tumbler Phase
The first part of the tests was called Tumbler. The Atomic Energy Commission was in charge of this phase. It included three tests where bombs were dropped from planes. The main goal was to understand how the shock waves from explosions caused damage. Scientists wanted to figure out the best height for a bomb to explode to get the most impact.
The Snapper Phase
The second part was called Snapper. The Department of Defense led this phase. It involved one bomb dropped from a plane and four bombs set off on tall towers. These tests were designed to try out new ideas for nuclear weapons.
During these tests, a military exercise called Desert Rock IV also took place. About 7,350 soldiers participated. They trained during some of the explosions, known as the Charlie, Dog, and George shots. They also watched the Fox shot.
What Happened After the Tests?
Some of the Tumbler-Snapper explosions created a lot of fallout. Fallout is radioactive dust that spreads after a nuclear explosion. One test, called George, caused more people to be exposed to radiation than any other nuclear test in the United States. The George test alone was responsible for about 7% of all the radiation exposure to people during the 1,032 nuclear tests done by the U.S.
Images for kids
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Photograph taken milliseconds after detonation of nuclear device from the "Tumbler-Snapper" test series. (The shot tower is faintly visible below fireball; downward spikes are termed "rope tricks".)
See also
In Spanish: Operación Tumbler-Snapper para niños
