“FY
t
“as evidence of this fact. since they likely derived from the spreading out of the upper
, portion of cumulonimbus formations.
2. MIKE Weatherin vicinity of Zero, 0640 - 0700 (L)*
**The personnel in the WB-29 informed me that there were only scattered low
clouds in fhe vicinity of the atoll. whose bases were estimated near 1800 feet and whose
averoge fops were estimated to be near 4,000 feet. I was also informed that “‘one or
two” low clouds fo the southwest of the afoll exfended fo an estimated maximum height
of about 7 or 8 000 feet. Iwas further informed thot only a few scattered middle clouds
were observed in the vicinity of the atoll and also as far as the personnel aboard the
’ alrcraft could see from an altitude of 1,500 feet.
On at least four different transmissions, | was advised that there were ‘no
showers between “Point IP*° and "‘Point X* or in the general vicinity of the afoll. ~~
The wind at 1,500 feet was reported to be 110 degrees- 12 of 14 knots. On several occasions, the terminology **practically clear ** was used by the personnel aboard the
aircraft.”°
3. MIKE Cloud and Effects**®
The detonation occurred at 0715 M, 1 November 1952. as scheduled. It was observed from the flag bridge of the USS Estes (AGC-12) at a distance of 3] miles ona
line bearing approximately 155° from the shot island.
The initial aspect of the explosion. seen through density goggles, consisted of
an immense fireball which appeared on the horizon like the sun when half-risen; however,
the angle subtended by the half-disk at maximum was af least twice that of the sun. A
rough estimate indicates that its diameter at this time was between 3 and 4 miles. The
fireball was not homogenous buf consisted of a bright inner core of approximately twothirds the total diameter surrounded by a thin. relatively dark shell (orange in color as
seen through the goggles). the whole being enclosed in an outer, very bright shell which
was the limiting segion of the fireball,
‘The fireball seemed to ascend very rapidly after on Initial hover time whose duration cannot be estimated but which seemed to be shorter than those occurring with
weapons tested during Greenhouse.
* Extract from radio report of voice fransmissions between weather observer in WB-29
aitcraft and faecaster in JTF 132 Weather Central aboard USS ESTES.
** Extracts from a report by Professor C. E. Palmer to CJTF 132 (eyewitness description
recorded shortly after event).
M7
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4 amen
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MTGARbes te weirony
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