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Atomic Testing Museum
As the United States prepares to
build two more nuclear plants in Georgia, perhaps now is a good time
to visit the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada that
documents the history of nuclear testing that happened at the Nevada
Test Site in the desert, just north of the city. The first test was
done here in January, 1951, and the museum tells you about that test
and the others that followed up to the present day. Included
in the numerous exhibits that span the unbelievable history of
nuclear testing, the one experience you must try is the Grounds Zero
Theater that simulates this unimaginable event. There are other
displays that show radiation testing devices, radio badges, Geiger
counters, pop culture memorabilia that is related to the atomic age,
still continuing today, Native American relics that were collected
from around the test area and the equipment that is used in testing
these various devices; plus exhibits that focus on the prominent
figures involved in the facility, interactive displays about
radiation and videos. The museum is managed by the Nevada Test Site
Historical Foundation, a non-profit that is affiliated with the
Smithsonian Institution. Other support comes from the buying of
license plates that have the commemorative NTS emblem on them, that
are issued by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. This
city is famous for the bright lights, shows, gambling and other
sinful accesses and excesses, but at one time, many decades ago, it
became famous for the "secret" atomic tests that were going on just
65 miles outside the strip. During the fabulous fifties, visitors
would go to downtown Las Vegas just to watch the huge mushroom
clouds that rose up from the desert floor at the Nevada Test Site.
It was this country's main nuclear testing facility that was in
operation from 1951 to 1992. The site was started by the nation's
Department of Energy since no one really knew of the effects of
nuclear explosions, although the horrific sights, pictures and
stories that came from Japan's Nagasaki and Hiroshima cities and
people could have told them. The NTS conducted atmospheric testing
until 1962, when officials began to fear the fall-out dangers that
might occur, so they moved their operations underground. 928 nuclear
tests were conducted with 828 being done underground; with all
pertinent data being saved and shown at the Atomic Testing Museum.
Science is amazing, when shown and presented in the correct light,
which is what this museum attempts to do. It was opened to save the
legacy of the NTS and to encourage public accessibility and general
knowledge of the site. It is housed in the Frank H. Rogers Science
and Technology building that is only a mile off the strip. The
10,000 square foot structure contains artifacts of the NTS,
recording the dramatic and perhaps fascinating history of atomic
explosions by interactive modules, films, timelines and real
authentic gadgets and equipment that came from the site. They do
show both sides of the story, from the protestors of the site to the
on-site workers that experienced this incredible phenomenon. They
strive to inform, educate and document the impact of the nuclear
tests that affected the world, not just this state or country; just
as the testing of the nukes in North Korea and the enrichment of
uranium in Iran.
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