Nuclear Testing2026-01-23T14:03:47-08:00

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

3

International treaties on limiting nuclear weapons testing

  1. 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.

Marshall Islands

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Semipalantinsk

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Reggane

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Kiribati

coming soon

Maralinga, Australia

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Lop Nur

coming soon

Pokhran

coming soon

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!

Underground Testing

Underground nuclear tests, though less visually dramatic than atmospheric detonations, harbor significant risks that are often overlooked. The seemingly contained nature of these tests masks the profound and far-reaching impacts on the environment and public health.

Underwater Testing

Underwater nuclear testing involves detonating nuclear weapons below the surface of water, typically in oceans or large lakes. These tests are conducted to evaluate the effects of nuclear explosions on naval vessels, submarines, and marine environments. Underwater tests produce significant shock waves and can cause extensive water contamination and marine life disruption.

Atmospheric Testing

Atmospheric nuclear tests, conducted above ground, release vast amounts of radioactive particles into the atmosphere. These particles travel across the globe, causing widespread environmental contamination and health hazards.

Learn More About the Humanitarian Effects of Nuclear Weapons

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