Out of curiosity, I searched for maps and information that may reveal potential nuclear targets in the United States, and I’ve posted them here for your interest.
(See below for more maps)
The following map of nuclear targets in the USA (source file) is one that I put together based on several factors — looking at other maps and data including military installations, nuclear weapons storage and silo locations, bases, the larger cities, etc.. I aimed to capture as much as possible while representing each detonation (red blob) to a somewhat realistic size (diameter). The result would reveal a density map, hopefully revealing safer places than others concerning a direct strike.
I’ve undoubtedly missed some targets and other probable strategic locations. This information is simply presented as ‘food for thought’.
Note: The three larger appearing target areas shown within Montana, North Dakota, and the corner of (Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado) represent known ICBM silos and nuke storage.
Note: It may seem like there are more ‘red dots’ on the map than any probable nuclear attack, but believe it or not, there could potentially be more, given the many thousands of nuclear warheads in Russia (for example).
I first did this map ten years ago…but it is just as relevant today.
(Update) I found the following nuclear targets map in the public domain from Martin Vargic of halcyonmaps.com, who makes infographics and various maps. The targets are based on data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wikipedia. Interestingly, the fallout direction is also shown. It’s based on the general prevailing wind direction, although obviously, wind direction could be different, depending on ‘today’s weather’.
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Note: I have several related opinion articles on ‘nuclear targets’:
(the one you’re looking at now), and the following:
The nuclear target/fallout maps shown below are in the public domain. They were first published years ago. Therefore, they vary with regard to nuclear proliferation and current opinion.
Some maps are older than others. They might not fully represent some of the changes that have occurred since their publication. But they are still interesting to examine, especially relative to one’s own location.
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No one will win a nuclear exchange. History has shown that there have been reckless leaders. Had they possessed nuclear weapons, they surely would have used them. Are there still such people today? Of course, there are. Let’s hope that none of them ever are in control of ‘the button’.
The real effects surrounding the nuclear targets on any given map will depend on the type of nuclear detonation.
It will not only pulverize everything within a given radius, but will also pulverize countless tons of soil and dirt into the atmosphere. This will create a very dirty nuclear fallout situation.
It’s important to understand that shock waves have the potential to destroy buildings and everything on the ground within a blast radius. However, they do not have the same soil and ground pulverizing effect as a ground burst detonation. This means there will be less overall fallout in the atmosphere. But make no mistake, the potential for destruction is still significant.
In both circumstances, radiation (particles) will reach the atmosphere. The fallout cloud will drift with the lower and upper-level winds. While they will eventually fall out (some quicker than others), the effects could be long-lasting as radiation settles upon the land.
There are many nuclear power plants across the country. If the power grid (or part of the power grid) goes down during a nuclear exchange, there is a high probability that some (or many) of these plants will present a real and present danger if they cannot ‘scram’ in time. Diesel backup generators hold up critical systems and depend on constant fuel delivery to keep them running.
[ Read: U.S. Nuclear Power Plants, safe distance? ]Are you concerned about nuclear fallout and alpha particles? I recommend a CE / CBRN-approved full-face respirator mask. The following product from MIRA Safety is a good choice.
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The Russians, Chinese, North Korea (and others?) are researching and developing Nuclear EMP technology (electromagnetic pulse). Some believe that a nuclear first strike will ‘first’ involve a salvo of EMP detonations at high altitude, potentially via orbiting satellites, or launched from submarines or even off-shore freighters. As a result, this may likely take down the power grid, followed by a first wave of nuclear strikes. The primary targets will likely be military installations, while a secondary wave will broaden in scope, and next, a third wave will follow. Strategic bombers would mop up what’s left. The first and second waves could be all over in minutes to an hour (the point being that it will be fast).
Here’s a map from Business Insider, whereby Stephen Schwartz suggested the following nuclear strike targets, the highest priority of which would be Minuteman ICBM bases.
Okay, that said, lets look at a few target and fallout maps…
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I created the following map more than ten years ago. It indicates a few general regions where it appears as though they might be ‘safer’ than other locations, relative to observations of nuclear target maps coupled with radiation and wind fallout patterns via prevailing winds.
Looking at it again, however, there are likely several additional (potentially safe) regions here and there. I plan to re-do this map one day…
The approximate official world score…
5,449 (Russia)
5,277 (USA)
600 (China)
290 (France)
225 (UK)
180 (India)
170 (Pakistan)
90 (Israel)
50 (North Korea)
? (Iran?)
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