Title:RECOGNITION OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS [Main Title]
Film Number:USA 128
Other titles:
Summary: Footage of nuclear explosions used to illustrate their characteristics for observers.
Description:The film stresses the need for observers to be able to distinguish between nuclear and conventional explosions. Examples of nuclear detonations include relatively low power, near ground explosions characterised by a brilliant light flash and a dirty brown rising column of dust turning to white at higher altitudes. Footage of air bursts at different altitudes show a column of dust drawn up towards (and sometimes through) the fireball. With an underground or underwater explosion the fireball is suppressed and only the scale of the explosion gives it away. A medium size bomb produces a longer flash and a "cloud chamber effect" of condensed water vapour around the fire ball. Finally, a hydrogen bomb detonated just before dawn produces similar effects but on a much vaster scale. The commentary again stresses that accurate reporting is essential for any "unscheduled explosion on this continent".
Alternative Title:
Colour:Colour
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:USA 128
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Film: IWM (USA 128)
Featured Period:1945-1989
Production Date:1956-1956
Production Country:American
Production Details:United States Air Force (Production sponsor)
Air Photographic and Charting Service (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: Colour
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details:Footage: 513 ft; Running time: 14 mins
