That Time We Almost Nuked the Moon

In this mind-boggling episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, hosts Shea and Jody take you on a wild ride through one of the most absurd plans in Cold War history: Project A119, the United States Air Force's secret proposal to nuke the moon. Yes, you read that right! Join us as we explore the motivations behind this bizarre plan, from ego and public relations to a desperate need for cosmic swagger in the face of Soviet competition. You'll discover:- How the Cold War turned into a cosmic pissing contest- The role of young Carl Sagan in calculating the visibility of a lunar explosion- The environmental and geopolitical repercussions of detonating a nuke on the moon- Why this plan was ultimately scrapped and buried deeper than your most embarrassing secretsExpect a mix of laughter and disbelief as we delve into this ridiculous chapter of history that almost turned our celestial neighbor into a glowing crater. After all, what's a little lunar devastation when national pride is at stake?🌕 CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro and Welcome02:30 – The Hypothetical Cold War Dilemma: Blow It Up!08:15 – Introducing Project A119: The Moon Nuke15:45 – The Science Behind the Madness: Carl Sagan’s Involvement24:00 – The Risks of Nuke-ing the Moon: Tides and Climate32:20 – Why the Project Was Shelved: A Cosmic Cautionary Tale40:00 – Wrapping Up and Reflections on Human Folly 🔗 LINKS🌐 Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Website: https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com💌 Support Us on Patreon: https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/support Show notes created by https://headliner.app Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-unhinged-rainy-day-rabbit-holes/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy