Would the resulting explosion of the atomic bomb detonated at Hiroshima have been visible from space?

Question

Assuming, of course, that anyone was there to witness it.

Answer 1

It is possible that at the instant of the blast the flash of the detonation might have be visible from a space. But I highly doubt it would have been observable; in fact I would say the possibility of it being seen from space; less than 1%. As a reminder our geosynchronous satellites are at 22,500 miles.

The weapon used on Hiroshima was a mere 13kt A-bomb. Even the second weapon used on Nagasaki 3 days later was only 21kt. I say mere & only because while any nuclear weapon is powerful it pale in comparison to 500kt, 1 megaton, 5 megaton.... weapons. The nuclear weapons that were later filmed from space came years after the Hiroshima detonation...satellite imagery came years later. And those where hydrogen bombs with yiels measured in the megaton range...the blast easily visible from space.

Answer 2

Absolutlely!!!! The initial blast is as bright as the sun, so there would be a visible flash. The cloud should also be visible: you can see regular clouds clearly from space.

Large geological features are also visible from space, and a bomb big enough might create a "desert" which would stand out in space.

Of course this is assuming naked eye viewing: with cameras and telescopes you can read someone's license plate from space!

Answer 3

Oh yes, quite. It would also have been detectable electronically - a nuclear detonation emits a classic electronic signature that propagates millions and millions of miles. Assuming anyone was out there with the proper electronic detectors, evidence of that detonation would have been detectable well beyond the orbit of Pluto.

Answer 4

Yes. Things like The Pyramids and The Great Wall of China are visible. If the sky was clear it would probably be visible.

Answer 5

Depends on the visibility around the area of the blast i think. I believe you would see the flashing light of the blast, but seeing the mushroom cloud depends on the visibility conditons around the blast such as dark clouds(already formed before the blast) percipatation, and etc. If anything you would DEFINTLY see the light of the blast that is for sure....

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

Quite possibly.
The blast was huge. And the ensuing mushroom cloud even more huge.

Answer 8

Ofcourse! Tests after that, that were actually filmed from upper startosphere were seen clearly!

Answer 9

yes probably. i'm guessing it would be a very bright light for a couple seconds