Its functionality relied on a fission reaction to ignite fusion within liquid deuterium, a heavy isotope of hydrogen.
Mushroom cloud of the Ivy Mike test.
Photo credit:Wikimedia Commons
Mike’s appearance was more akin to an industrial complex than a traditional weapon.
Powering this intricate setup was a formidable 3,000-kilowatt power plant dedicated to the cryogenics facility.
It then became a Naval base for over forty years until the Marshall Islands became independent in 1986.
During this time, the atoll became the site for nuclear testing.
Photo credit:Wikimedia Commons
The Shot Cab.
On the morning of November 1, 1952, Mike unleashed its cataclysmic force upon the world.
The detonation produced a fireball, stretching an astonishing five kilometers in diameter.
The yield of this awe-inspiring explosion measured an unprecedented 10.4 megatons.
Accompanied by a brilliant light, the heat wave was felt immediately at distances of thirty to thirty-five miles.
U.S. nuclear weapon test Ivy Mike.
Photo credit:Wikimedia Commons
The impact was as profound as it was devastating.
The Ivy Mike test also led to the discovery of two new elements.
The filters from the planes were sealed in lead and sent to Los Alamos, New Mexico for analysis.
Enewetak Atoll, before “Mike” shot.
Notice island of Elugelab on left.
Enewetak Atoll, after “Mike” shot.
Notice crater on left.
Nuclear testing on Enewetak Atoll ended in 1958.
In 1977, the United States military began the arduous task of decontaminating Enewetak and its surrounding islands.
In 2000, another round of clean up followed.
Scientists believe the atoll will be fit for human habitation by 20262027.
