DETECTION OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION FROM NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS IN SPACE
Abstract
The electromagnetic signal generated by interaction of nuclear- explosion-induced electric currents with the geomagnetic field can serve as a basis for detecting such explosions at extreme distances from the earth. In the present paper, an earlier theory of this phenomenon developed by the authors is extended to allow estimates of the maximum detection range. It is concluded that this electromagnetic signal may be detectable at distances of the order of 10 to the 7th power times the square root of Y sub KT kilometers from a nuclear explosion of total yield Y sub KT kilotons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0607788
Entities
People
- Richard Latter
- W. J. Karzas
Organizations
- RAND Corporation