Nuclear Testing

A three-step guide to nuclear weapons testing

1. Nuclear Testing Basics

2. The Stories

3. The Impact

2000+

Nuclear tests conducted

$91.4B

Spent on nuclear weapons in 2023 by the nine nuclear weapons states

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International treaties on limiting nuclear weapons testing

Nuclear Testing Basics

Informational Video: Ivana Hughes on Nuclear Testing History

Defining a Nuclear Weapons Test

A nuclear weapons test is a purposeful detonation used to determine the effectiveness, yield, and explosive capability of a nuclear weapon. The purpose of nuclear tests can be to obtain military, scientific or technological information or to convey a political message.

Nuclear Test Sites

Thousands of nuclear weapons were detonated as “tests” from 1945-2017. These detonations mostly took place in colonies, former colonies, or in the territories of ethnic minorities. The people and ecosystems of these test locations remain devastated by lasting impact. Learn more about those stories below.

The First Nuclear Weapons Test

The Trinity test was the first nuclear weapons detonation, conducted by the United States on July 16, 1945. The bomb was tested at a site located 210 miles south of Los Alamos, New Mexico, on the plains of the Alamogordo Bombing Range, known as the Jornada del Muerto. The Trinity test was a part of the secret World War II effort named the Manhattan Project.

2. Stories of Nuclear Testing

Below you can learn about some of the main nuclear testing sites, including stories of impact on indigenous and local communities. Click through to learn more.

3. Impact of Nuclear Weapons Testing

Nuclear weapons pose a significant threat not only to human life but also to the environment and climate. This page explores various scenarios in which nuclear weapons affect our planet, from atmospheric and underground tests to the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare. By understanding these impacts, we can better advocate for nuclear disarmament and the well-being of humanity and all other life on our beautiful planet. Click on one of the buttons below to learn more!

Free beautiful forest background, public domain CC0 photo.

NAPF Statement to UN Human Rights Council

By Christian N. Ciobanu|2014-04-02T20:29:28-07:0013 Sep 2012|

Christian Ciobanu delivered this statement to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. He welcomed the report by the Special Rapporteur on Hazardous Substances and Waste regarding the legacy of U.S. nuclear weapons testing in the Marshall Islands.

Nuclear Fallout in the Marshall Islands

By Christian N. Ciobanu|2014-04-02T20:31:27-07:0013 Sep 2012|

This brief report outlines the damage done to the land and people of the Marshall Islands by U.S. nuclear weapons testing.

Duck and Cover: A Pictorial History of Nuclear Weapon

By Bob Farquhar|2019-05-31T16:00:47-07:0022 Aug 2012|

This book by Bob Farquhar contains hundreds of photos and extensive information on the history of the nuclear age, particularly relating to nuclear testing.

Nuclear Testing

1. Nuclear Testing Basics

2. The Stories

3. The Impact

2000+

$91.4B

3

Nuclear Testing Basics

Defining a Nuclear Weapons Test

A nuclear weapons test is a purposeful detonation used to determine the effectiveness, yield, and explosive capability of a nuclear weapon. The purpose of nuclear tests can be to obtain military, scientific or technological information or to convey a political message.

Nuclear Test Sites

The First Nuclear Weapons Test

2. Stories of Nuclear Testing

Below you can learn about some of the main nuclear testing sites, including stories of impact on indigenous and local communities. Click through to learn more.

Marshall Islands

Semipalantinsk

Reggane

Kiribati

Maralinga, Australia

Lop Nur

Pokhran

3. Impact of Nuclear Weapons Testing

Nuclear Testing

1. Nuclear Testing Basics

2. The Stories

3. The Impact

2000+

$91.4B

3

Nuclear Testing Basics

Defining a Nuclear Weapons Test

A nuclear weapons test is a purposeful detonation used to determine the effectiveness, yield, and explosive capability of a nuclear weapon. The purpose of nuclear tests can be to obtain military, scientific or technological information or to convey a political message.

Nuclear Test Sites

The First Nuclear Weapons Test

2. Stories of Nuclear Testing

Below you can learn about some of the main nuclear testing sites, including stories of impact on indigenous and local communities. Click through to learn more.

Marshall Islands

Semipalantinsk

Reggane

Kiribati

Maralinga, Australia

Lop Nur

Pokhran

3. Impact of Nuclear Weapons Testing

Underground Testing

Underwater Testing

Atmospheric Testing

Learn More About the Humanitarian Effects of Nuclear Weapons

NAPF Statement to UN Human Rights Council

Nuclear Fallout in the Marshall Islands

Duck and Cover: A Pictorial History of Nuclear Weapon