Disturbance of unknown origin

[larryhammer]

From the Swiss Seismological Institute, a map of all known nuclear explosions.

The one that freaks me out is the grey spot south of Africa. It's an atmospheric explosion from 1979—and they don't know who did it. I want to know more about this ... event. How sure are they of it being nuclear? Was it a test? Who has or has not denied responsibility? Argh.

---L.

Comments

[seainni.livejournal.com]

I look at those numbers and think, _and we're worried about other people_?

[larryhammer]

Update: Apparently, among those who follow these sorts of things, the unknown is generally taken to be an unacknowledged joint South African/Israeli test. Yes, white South Africa had a nuclear program; the deBotha government completely dismantled when it became clear that Apartheit would fall, and SA is no longer a nuclear power.

---L.