Kenneth Bainbridge, director of the Trinity Test, called it “a foul and awesome display.” Despite months of speculation and wondering over what would happen, “the atom bomb did not fit into any pre-conceptions possessed by anybody,” according to future Los Alamos National Lab director Norris Bradbury. The explosion point was named Trinity Site.Īlthough no information on the test was released until after the atomic bombings of Japan on August 6 and 9, 1945, the flash of light and shock wave made a vivid impression over an area with a radius of at least 160 miles (257.49 km). This material was given the name trinitite. Sand in the crater was fused by the intense heat into a glass-like solid, the color of green jade. Where the tower once stood was a crater one-half mile (804 m) across and 8 feet (2.43 m) deep. A multi-colored cloud surged 38,000 feet (11.58 km) into the air within seven minutes. To most observers-watching through dark glasses-the brilliance of the light from the explosion overshadowed the shock wave and sound that arrived some seconds later. Within seconds, witnesses saw the first mushroom cloud ever created by atomic weaponry. The wooden observation shelters were protected by concrete and earthen barricades, and the nearest observation point was 5.7 miles (9.17 km) from Ground Zero.Īn incredible flash of light illuminated the sky as air temperatures rose to over 9,000oF (4982oC). Equipment, instruments, and observation points were established at varying distances from Ground Zero. Ground Zero was at the foot of the tower. Manhattan Project scientists detonated the first atomic device, known as “the Gadget,” at 5:29 am Mountain War Time at the Trinity Site in the Jornada del Muerto desert of New Mexico.įor the Project Trinity test, the bomb was placed atop a 100-foot (30.48 m) tall steel tower that was designated Zero. Twice a year, the US Army hosts a Trinity Site Open House when the public may visit Trinity Site. Trinity Site is located on White Sands Missile Range and is closed to the public.
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