What if We Nuke the Moon?

Summary by Krater

This video explores the theoretical consequences of detonating a 100-megaton thermonuclear warhead on the Moon, examining the initial explosion, the lack of an atmosphere, the seismic and ejecta effects, and the permanent impact on any future lunar bases.

From the video

Answers: What would happen if you detonated a nuclear weapon on the Moon?

• nuclear weapon detonation on the moon
• thermonuclear warhead explosion in space
• lunar seismic effects
• micro-meteorite dispersion from explosions
• effects of no atmosphere on nuclear blasts

What it concludes

• A nuclear explosion on the moon produces no shock wave due to the lack of an atmosphere.
• Without an atmosphere to stop it, the fireball grows much larger and hotter, producing lethal radiation across line-of-sight areas.
• The explosion transfers about a tenth of its energy into seismic waves, generating an earthquake-like shaking of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale.
• Debris is shot into space at escape velocity, creating a flurry of micrometeorites that rain down on the solar system and Earth.
• The lunar surface remains permanently contaminated with radioactivity, making the moon unsuitable as a test ground or habitation site.