Nuclear Explosion Legs - What are They?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the visual phenomenon known as "nuclear explosion legs," which are thin, wiggly lines observed during nuclear detonations. These lines are identified as the wakes of sounding rockets that are launched vertically prior to the explosion. Their primary purpose is to measure wind patterns associated with the nuclear blast. This clarification was provided by a participant named Dave, who confirmed the scientific basis for these observations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics and detonation processes
  • Familiarity with sounding rockets and their applications
  • Knowledge of atmospheric science, particularly wind patterns
  • Basic principles of video analysis in scientific contexts
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  • Research the design and function of sounding rockets in atmospheric studies
  • Explore the physics of nuclear explosions and their visual effects
  • Learn about the methodologies used in measuring wind patterns during detonations
  • Investigate the historical context and applications of nuclear testing
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Students and professionals in nuclear physics, atmospheric science researchers, and anyone interested in the visual effects of nuclear detonations and their scientific implications.

DiracPool
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I always wanted to ask a nuclear scientist about this. What are these weird wiggly thin lines we always see during a nuclear bomb detonation? If you look to the right side of the screen on the first video, they look like the "legs" of a fine whisky dribbling down a fine whisky glass. But what do they have to do with a nuke?



On the left side of the screen here:



And, again, you see these legs off to the left:

 
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They are the wakes of sounding rockets, launched vertically just before the detonation with the purpose of detecting the winds associated with the explosion.
 
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NTW said:
They are the wakes of sounding rockets, launched vertically just before the detonation with the purpose of detecting the winds associated with the explosion.

a spot on answer :smile:Dave
 

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