Low-altitude nuclear test and radio noise level

Abstract

Low-altitude nuclear explosion around Reganne (26°N, 0°E) in the Sahara Desert during February, 1960 had effect on radio communication at Ibadan (7°N, 4°E) about 2,000 km from the region of detonation. The nuclear weapon was believed to have been in the kiloton range and exploded from a 300-ft tower. Increased ionization in the ionosphere and enhancement of atmospheric radio noise levels were evidenced at Ibadan. The atmospheric noise levels at all frequencies investigated were affected but the effects were rather more pronounced at the lower frequencies.The results of the observations suggest that the explosion itself generates electromagnetic energy at least in the radio-frequency band, 51 kc/s-20 Mc/s.