Series of earthquakes strike near historic nuclear testing site in Nevada
Nellis Air Force Base, located within the same vast federally controlled region as the highly classified Area 51, played a key role in America's nuclear weapons program during the Cold War.Originally designated the Nevada Proving Grounds in 1950 by President Harry S Truman, the site became home to the Nevada Test Site (NTS), where 100 atmospheric nuclear tests were conducted between 1951 and 1962.Following the Limited Test Ban Treaty in 1963, nuclear testing moved underground. The US carried out a total of 828 underground nuclear tests at the NTS before halting all testing in 1992, with the final detonation, code-named "Divider", marking the end of an era. The decision to end testing coincided with the conclusion of the Cold War and was seen as a move to promote global nuclear restraint.advertisementThough no longer used for nuclear testing, Nellis and the surrounding restricted areas remain crucial to US military operations and have become cultural touchstones due to decades of speculation about secretive projects and extraterrestrial life.Area 51, in particular, has fueled conspiracy theories and pop culture fascination. It gained mainstream attention in 1989 after physicist Bob Lazar claimed he worked at a covert facility studying alien technology.The CIA officially acknowledged Area 51's existence in 2013, revealing its role in high-altitude reconnaissance programs, including the development of the U-2 and A-12 spy planes—craft that inadvertently sparked a wave of UFO sightings during the 1950s and '60s.
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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
When war got weird: 10 military experiments that seem straight out of sci-fi
War has a funny way of turning wild ideas into serious government projects. In the chaos of World War II and the paranoia of the Cold War, military minds across the globe cooked up experiments that sound less like national defense and more like fever dreams. Think remote-viewing psychics, napalm-strapped bats, pain rays, and yes, even a surgically wired CIA spy cat, code-named 'Acoustikitty,' who was supposed to eavesdrop on Soviet agents but promptly wandered off. These weren't jokes, they were fully funded, sometimes top-secret missions with real budgets and even weirder intentions. Most of these plans fizzled out, tripped up by science, common sense, or the sheer unpredictability of, say, cats. But they offer a fascinating, and often hilarious, look into what happens when military strategy meets sci-fi imagination. So if you've ever wondered what it looks like when serious defense programs go completely off the rails, you're in the right place. Let's reimagine it. Acoustikitty : CIA tried to recruit cats, they refused to take orders In the mid-1960s, the CIA launched a curious and ambitious project known as "Acoustikitty," aiming to use wired and microphoned cats to covertly eavesdrop on open-air conversations between foreign agents and their Soviet contacts. The plan involved implanting a microphone in the cat's ear, a transmitter under its skin, and an antenna woven into its fur, allowing it to inconspicuously capture sensitive conversations in public places like parks. Despite the technology functioning as intended, the fundamental flaw lay in the cat's unpredictable behavior, true to feline nature, it couldn't be trained to follow specific commands or approach intended targets reliably. After several unsuccessful tests, the project was ultimately abandoned in 1967 without ever seeing operational use. Still, the story of Acoustikitty remains one of the most bizarre and enduring legends of Cold War espionage. Project Stargate : Psychic soldiers for intel Project Stargate was a Cold War-era US intelligence effort to explore the potential military use of psychic phenomena, especially remote viewing, the claimed ability to perceive distant or unseen targets without physical presence. Sparked by reports that the Soviet Union was heavily investing in psychic research, the CIA feared falling behind in this unconventional domain. Throughout the 1970s to 1990s, the program evolved under various codenames like SCANATE, GONDOLA WISH, and GRILL FLAME, eventually becoming known as Stargate. Supporters of Project Stargate cite cases where remote viewers allegedly identified a crashed Soviet aircraft in Africa and described hidden facilities later verified by traditional intelligence. However, critics argue these successes were overstated, noting that remote viewing often produced vague or inaccurate information and that results could not be reliably replicated under controlled conditions, casting doubt on the program's scientific validity. By 1995, it was declassified and terminated after a review found it failed to produce consistently reliable intelligence. The Gay Bomb: Chemical to 'turn' enemies In 1994, a US military lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base proposed developing a non-lethal chemical weapon designed to disrupt enemy morale by inducing homosexual behavior among troops using a potent aphrodisiac. The idea was part of a $7.5 million funding request aimed at researching chemicals that could impair enemy discipline and cohesion without causing physical harm. Although the "gay bomb" proposal was ultimately rejected, it resurfaced years later when the document was disclosed through a Freedom of Information request. The watchdog group Sunshine Project publicized the bizarre and controversial plan, which highlighted the extremes explored in psychological warfare during that era. Avrocar: Real-life flying saucer attempt The VZ-9AV Avrocar was a Cold War-era experimental aircraft designed to function as a high-speed, stealthy flying vehicle. Developed in the 1950s with a projected budget of $3.16 million (around $26 million today), it aimed to combine vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with advanced maneuverability. Despite its ambitious goals, the Avrocar failed to deliver in testing. It could only achieve brief hovers just above the ground and proved unstable in flight. Ultimately, the project was deemed unfeasible and was canceled before reaching operational use. Bat Bombs: Explosive bats for warfare In an unusual World War II proposal that sounds like science fiction, a quirky American inventor suggested using bats as miniature bombers. The plan involved capturing one million bats from Texas caves, attaching small napalm charges to them, and packing them into bomb casings designed to release them mid-air over Japanese cities. Once released, the bats would instinctively roost in the wooden structures common throughout Japan at the time. A timed ignition system would then detonate the incendiaries, causing widespread fires and destruction. Though never fully implemented, the concept highlights the extreme and imaginative lengths considered in wartime strategy. Project Iceworm: Missiles hidden under ice Project Iceworm was an ambitious Cold War plan to build a vast network of tunnels covering 52,000 square miles beneath Greenland's ice, about three times the size of Denmark. The design included trenches spaced four miles apart to house 600 mobile nuclear missiles, along with facilities to support 11,000 soldiers living underground, prepared for a rapid strike if necessary. A 1960 top-secret US Army report praised Greenland as an ideal location, just 3,000 miles from Moscow and strategically positioned for both offensive and second-strike capabilities. The mobility and concealment of the missiles beneath the ice were intended to prevent detection and ensure retaliation in the event of a Soviet nuclear attack. Edgewood experiments: Drugs tested on troops Between 1950 and 1975, approximately 6,720 US service members participated in chemical exposure experiments at the Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland. These tests involved 254 different chemicals and were primarily intended to study their effects on humans, evaluate protective gear, and assess how military personnel might respond to chemical warfare agents. Although no current tests can definitively confirm such past exposures, a thorough medical history and physical exam can help assess potential health risks. Participants may experience long-term psychological effects from the trauma of being used as test subjects, and concerned veterans are encouraged to consult healthcare providers for evaluation and support. Pain Ray : Heat weapon for crowd control The "Pain Ray," officially known as the Active Denial System (ADS), is a non-lethal weapon developed by the US military for crowd control and perimeter defense. It works by emitting a focused beam of millimeter-wave radiation that penetrates the outer layer of skin, producing an intense burning sensation without causing permanent damage. The beam heats the skin to around 130°F (54°C), triggering an instinctive pain response that causes individuals to quickly move away from the targeted area. Designed as a safer alternative to rubber bullets or tear gas, the Pain Ray has been tested in various scenarios but has seen limited deployment due to concerns about safety, public perception, and ethical implications. Critics argue that while it may not cause lasting harm, the psychological and potential long-term effects of such a weapon remain poorly understood. Despite this, the ADS represents a significant advancement in non-lethal crowd control technology. Camel Corps: Military camels in America The Camel Corps was a mid-19th-century US military experiment aimed at using camels as pack animals in the arid regions of the American Southwest. Initiated by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis in the 1850s, the program involved importing camels from the Middle East to test their effectiveness in desert conditions. Housed at Camp Verde, Texas, the camels proved to be strong, resilient, and well-suited for transporting supplies over long distances. Despite their success in field trials, the project was eventually abandoned due to the Civil War, lack of institutional support, and soldiers' preference for traditional animals like horses and mules. Peacekeeper Trains: Nukes launched from trains Peacekeeper Trains were a Cold War-era US military concept designed to make nuclear missile launches more survivable by placing them on mobile rail platforms. The idea was to load Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) onto specially designed train cars that could travel across the national rail network, making their location unpredictable and reducing their vulnerability to a first-strike attack. By constantly moving or being deployed to remote tracks, these trains would ensure a credible second-strike capability. Although the system was tested and proven feasible, the program was never fully deployed due to high costs, logistical challenges, and arms reduction treaties. (The article uses AI generated images)
India Today
2 days ago
- India Today
Mysterious signal was heard before a gaping hole popped up in US Yellowstone
During routine maintenance of temperature logging stations in the Norris Geyser Basin, geologists from Yellowstone National Park were surprised to discover a brand-new thermal feature near 'Tree Island' in the Porcelain Basin subarea—an unanticipated gift that likely began forming on Christmas newly identified pool measures approximately 4 meters across and is filled with warm, light-blue water at about 43C. The water level was roughly 30 centimeters (1 foot) below the edge of the pit when details were published in Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles. The area around the pool was strewn with small rocks coated in fine, light-gray silica mud, suggesting multiple small hydrothermal explosions had satellite imagery and data from a monitoring station installed in September 2023, researchers believe the feature gradually formed between late December 2024 and early February photos show no sign of the pool in mid-December. By January 6, 2025, a depression had emerged, and a fully formed pool was visible by February 13.A weak acoustic signal on December 25, consistent with minor hydrothermal activity, was also detected by the infrasound major events such as the dramatic July 2024 explosion at Biscuit Basin or the April 2025 incident in the Porcelain Terrace area, this pool appears to have formed through a series of smaller, less intense bursts. The rocks and white material (silica mud) surrounding the pool were probably ejected as the feature formed. (Photo: USGS) These explosions likely ejected rocks first and later shallow bursts of silica-rich mud, slowly carving out the current pit and filling it with thermal discovery adds to the growing list of hydrothermal changes occurring in Yellowstone's dynamic Norris Geyser Basin, known for its ever-shifting geothermal landscape. As scientists continue to monitor the basin with high-tech tools, including infrasound detectors and satellite imagery, these insights improve our understanding of hydrothermal systems and support the safe stewardship of one of the world's most fascinating volcanic what began as a quiet maintenance mission turned into a seasonal science surprise—proof that in Yellowstone, the ground beneath our feet is always full of surprises.- EndsMust Watch
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
What is Yellowstone Park's supervolcano, and is it on the verge of erupting? Rumors swirl as fears explode online
Yellowstone National Park wildlife is not migrating away due to a supervolcano threat. Experts and the NPS confirm viral videos are false. Learn the real facts about the Yellowstone volcano, magma levels, and animal behavior backed by new 2025 USGS research. Yellowstone wildlife migration rumors debunked as false by National Park Service- Rumors claiming that Yellowstone National Park's wildlife is fleeing in large numbers are making waves online — but they're not true. According to the National Park Service (NPS), recent viral videos showing animals like bison, elk, grizzly bears, and mountain lions supposedly migrating en masse out of Yellowstone are misleading and likely generated by artificial intelligence. Spokesperson Linda Veress confirmed to ABC News, 'Wildlife is not leaving Yellowstone National Park in large numbers. This rumor is false.' Here's what's really happening behind these viral claims — and what scientists are watching instead. Yellowstone National Park sits on top of one of the largest and most powerful volcanic systems in the world—a supervolcano known as the Yellowstone Caldera. Spanning about 55 by 72 kilometers, it formed during a massive eruption roughly 640,000 years ago. This system is powered by a deep magma reservoir that fuels Yellowstone's iconic geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. And while it sounds scary, scientists have been monitoring it closely for decades. Despite what you might be seeing online, there's no sign that Yellowstone is on the verge of erupting. According to the USGS and Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, the volcano's alert level remains at GREEN (normal). Here's what scientists are seeing right now: Low seismic activity : Just 60 minor earthquakes were recorded in June 2025—the strongest was only a 2.7 magnitude. That's completely normal for Yellowstone. : Just 60 minor earthquakes were recorded in June 2025—the strongest was only a 2.7 magnitude. That's completely normal for Yellowstone. No earthquake swarms : Yellowstone often sees earthquake swarms when underground fluids shift. There haven't been any significant swarms lately. : Yellowstone often sees earthquake swarms when underground fluids shift. There haven't been any significant swarms lately. Stable geyser activity : Steamboat Geyser and others are still doing their thing without any signs of unusual pressure or heat. : Steamboat Geyser and others are still doing their thing without any signs of unusual pressure or heat. New magma discoveries: Scientists recently mapped out four magma bodies beneath Yellowstone. Only one, located in the northeast part of the park, is currently molten. But even that one has a low melt percentage—nowhere near what's needed for an eruption. No — wildlife is not migrating out of Yellowstone in any unusual way. The videos circulating on TikTok and Instagram show groups of grizzly bears and long lines of bison supposedly leaving the park. But experts say those clips are either AI-generated or presented out of context. According to Tom Murphy, a wildlife photographer with five decades of experience at Yellowstone, the footage of grizzly bears is 'immediately suspect' because bears do not travel in groups unless there's a major food source, like a bison carcass or salmon stream — which don't exist in that manner in the park. Wildlife biologist Bill Hamilton, who's studied Yellowstone for 20 years, told ABC News that migration patterns do occur, but mostly during winter months when animals like elk and bison leave the snowy park terrain in search of food. Predators like wolves and mountain lions follow, but even then, numbers are limited. 'You're not going to see mountain lions migrating in herds,' Hamilton said. 'That video is nonsense.' One popular online theory is that the animals are fleeing due to an imminent Yellowstone supervolcano eruption — but this is also false. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) currently lists Yellowstone's volcano alert level as 'normal' (Code Green). According to geologist Michael Poland and the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, the park's volcanic system is constantly monitored for any warning signs. Although Yellowstone is known for its powerful geothermal features, the possibility of an eruption happening anytime soon is extremely low. In January 2025, new research from the USGS published in Nature used electrical conductivity imaging to map magma beneath Yellowstone. It found that while there are large pockets of magma — especially under the northeast of the caldera — these pockets are not all connected, making a super-eruption unlikely in the near future. The study showed that 2% to 30% of the rock in these pockets is molten, and that heat is being pumped in by rising basalt magma. Yet this doesn't signal immediate danger. As researcher Bill Hamilton explained, "Even if the volcano did blow, it couldn't all come out in one go." Eventually — yes. But not now. When Yellowstone last erupted around 630,000 years ago during the Lava Creek event, it ejected over 1,000 cubic kilometers of volcanic debris. A future super-eruption would have catastrophic consequences across North America and the globe, including: Ash covering cities like Chicago and San Francisco with up to 3 cm Complete destruction within 100 km radius Global temperature drops by as much as 4°C to 10°C Widespread agricultural collapse due to ash and cooling Still, scientists stress that the next eruption, whenever it happens, is likely centuries or even millennia away. In April 2025, geologists discovered a new hydrothermal feature at Norris Geyser Basin: a 13-foot-wide hole filled with milky blue water near "Tree Island." It likely formed between January and February 2025 through multiple small hydrothermal bursts, not one explosive event. Jeff Hungerford, a Yellowstone Park geologist, and USGS scientist Michael Poland wrote in the Caldera Chronicles that no seismic signals pointed to a major eruption — which is good news. It indicates small, natural geothermal changes, not a sign of a super-eruption. Spreading misinformation about Yellowstone's wildlife and volcanic activity might seem harmless or entertaining — but it can mislead the public about real geological threats. Wildlife experts and volcanologists alike warn that understanding the natural rhythms of Yellowstone is crucial. 'People start believing what they see in these videos, and that undermines public understanding of how nature really works,' Hamilton said. Despite trending searches and viral AI-generated content, Yellowstone National Park remains stable. Animals like bison and elk move around during seasons, especially winter, but there's no mass exodus. The volcano system is under constant surveillance, and scientists agree: there's no eruption on the horizon. Stay informed by following updates from reliable sources like the USGS, Yellowstone National Park Service, and the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Always question viral videos before accepting them as fact — especially when it comes to something as important as nature's most powerful forces. Q1. Is Yellowstone National Park wildlife really migrating away? No, wildlife is not leaving Yellowstone; experts say videos online are false or AI-generated. Q2. Is Yellowstone supervolcano about to erupt? No, the volcano alert is at normal and there's no sign of an eruption anytime soon.
