It's 1953. A mom and her son watch the mushroom cloud after an atomic test. But where was the photo taken?

The clue is the date. This rules out the Australia answer, because the Maralinga site was not decided until two years later. In 1953 the US conducted a series of eleven nuclear test shots (Operation Upshot–Knothole) at the Nevada Test Site. The test series was notable as containing the first time an atomic artillery shell was fired and for testing out some of the thermonuclear components that were later used for the subsequent massive thermonuclear series of Operation Castle (conducted on Bikini Atoll). Given the size of the explosions in the test, the one being viewed by the mother and her child is not at a very great distance, which rules out New Mexico and Arizona as possible locations.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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33 Comments

Claire Mitchell

My Canadian Army husband witnessed six atomic bombs in 1957 in Yucca Flats near Las Vegas. The Canadian Army was the closest to the epicentre. No protective clothing was provided. They were well known as “guinea pigs”. As a result, later on in life, he suffered nine, I repeat: nine separate cancers. His dosimeter registered 598 MREMs radiation. His death was attributed to the Army. He died in 2008, without EVER complaining. He will always be my hero. After each explosion, they were given a broom and asked to go and take a shower!!!!!!!! Of course, the radiation was inside their body. There were a total of 900 Canadians there at the time, including some observers in the rear who wore protective clothing. Around 2010 or later, all were given $24;000. Canadian. As for the US, the amount was quite larger.

Jane Glick-Coleman

Claire Mitchell, thank you for sharing. Yes, your husband is a hero!!!!

Cobina St Martin

My father experienced both bomb tests, Vegas and Bikini Atoll (Marines) and never had protective clothing or was never given any money and died young. (64) blame a lot on the way things were handled at the time, not much protection

Chris Braid

Got it due to the date.

Denise Currie

Claire Mitchell, This is so sad and absolutely disgusting that they were not provided with any protective clothing.

robert karel

Lost Wages, Nevada

lorriefiel

Claire Mitchell, What was the broom for?

Michael Doherty

mikemerr, thankfully you’re still alive.

ninakamwene

Lucky guess

Karin Johansson

mikemerr, i would never have done it.

Karin Johansson

mabeard, maybe google more.

Karin Johansson

Nicholas Lombardo, of course it was.

Karin Johansson

Claire Mitchell, so sorry he had to go throw it.

James D.

Another bogus question by this author. Makes up his own answers. Cite the source of the photo. UK exploded 2 in Australia in 1953 yet he claims it never happened.