Maralinga, South Australia. Atomic bomb testing 27 September 1956

More about Maralinga, South Australia. Atomic bomb testing 27 September 1956

Between 1956 and 1963, the United Kingdom conducted seven nuclear tests at the Maralinga site in South Australia, part of the Woomera Prohibited Area about 800 kilometres north west of Adelaide.

Two major test series were conducted: Operation Buffalo in 1956 and Operation Antler the following year.

Approximate weapon yields ranged from 1 to 27 kilotons of TNT (4 to 100 TJ). The Maralinga site was also used for minor trials, tests of nuclear weapons components not involving nuclear explosions.

dramatic black-and-white photo captures a massive explosion in the desert, with thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky. Four silhouetted figures stand observing the event in awe.