Canopus

When people think of nuclear bombs, they think of devastation. Nothing typically comes to mind about beauty. While nuclear bombs do deserve their dark view, you can’t help but be in awe at seeing a striking image of science in action.

This shot was taken in 1968 by the French army in the Fangataufa atoll. Codenamed Canopus (this has been identified as Licorne), it yielded 2600 kt.

Although this picture, like many of the series, is a work of the French Army (as far as I know) this is an original scan from a hardcopy I posses, and processed to remove dust and scratches.

Click image for larger view.
Canopus

[Source: Flickr]