Nevada played a huge role when it came to understanding nuclear power and how it can be used. Home to what was once known as the Nevada Test Site, it was here that scientists conducted below-ground nuclear tests from 1951 until 1992. Today, the test sites can only be accessed through the National Security Site Tour and one of the places that are highlighted is the massive Sedan Crater. Considered the largest man-made crater in the U.S., it’s an otherworldly destination that represents Nevada’s fascinating nuclear history.
The country's largest man-made crater can be found in the Nevada desert and the story behind its creation is definitely one you should be familiar with. Not only does it give context to this otherwise otherworldly sight, but it represents an important piece of nuclear history as well.
Known as the Sedan Crater, this massive gaping hole in the earth's surface was caused by an underground nuclear test. At this point in history, scientists were testing nuclear energy to see if it had any viable applications other than just blowing things up.
Specifically, what was called the Sedan Project was testing to see if a nuclear explosion could displace large amounts of dirt, mainly for mining purposes. To test this concept, scientists lowered a bomb 600-feet below the Earth's surface. When it detonated, it lifted the ground a whopping 300-feet in the air before the surface actually broke.
As you can see by the 1,280-foot wide crater it left behind, the experiment was a success when it came to displacing 12 million tons of dirt. However, the experiment also had several negative side effects, as nuclear fallout from the explosion traveled out for hundreds of miles.
Some reports say that the fallout ended up effecting more U.S. residents than any other nuclear test in the country. As a result (and rightfully so), scientists deemed the concept of using nuclear energy for mining purposes utterly unfeasible.
Today, the giant crater serves as a reminder of not just the Sedan experiment, but all of the nuclear history that was made here. You can only see it by reserving a spot on the Nevada National Security Site tour. The tours are free of charge but only held on a monthly-basis, and they fill up FAST.
This image may look like it was taken of the Moon—craters and all—but it's really just a representation of the bizarre landmarks you'll find hiding out in the Nevada desert. Learn more about the Nevada National Security Site and the Sedan Crater by visiting their website here.
Did you know about the Sedan Crater hiding out in the Nevada desert? Read more about how you can visit this nuclear testing site for a unique adventure!
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