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Scientific American
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Scientific American
Why This Is the Only Bomb That Could Destroy Iran's Nuclear Bunker—Under 300 Feet of Rock
The challenge sounds unreal: How do you blast a hole through a mountain of concrete and granite and then blow up what hides beneath it―all without crossing the nuclear line? The solution is a bomb that weighs 30,000 pounds, about as much as a city bus, but that is compressed into a cylinder roughly 20 feet long and 2.5 feet thick. Since the Israel-Iran conflict broke out last week, much speculation has centered on this weapon: the GBU-57/B, the most powerful nonnuclear bomb that is capable of destroying targets deep below the earth. The question many are asking is whether the U.S.—the only country possessing the bomb—will supply it to Israel. To understand what the GBU-57/B is and why Israel might want the weapon, it is important to understand the presumed target: Fordo, Iran's most advanced nuclear enrichment facility, which lies 18 miles northeast of the central city of Qom. According to an Institute for Science and International Security report, the site has the ability to produce enough highly enriched uranium to make a nuclear warhead in the span of mere days. It is also ensconced deep beneath a mountain, under 260 to 300 feet of rock that is reinforced with concrete, and surrounded by a ring of air-defense batteries. After Israel bombed Iraq's nuclear reactor in 1981 and Syria's in 2007, Iran decided to spread its nuclear program out over multiple sites, with its crucial elements hidden so deep beneath the earth that not even Israel's 5,000-pound bunker busters could reach them. Intelligence reports suggest Iran began construction in 2002, while Iran has said that work began in 2007. Tehran acknowledged the site's existence only in September 2009. The first three letters in GBU-57/B stand for 'guided bomb unit' (a precision bomb that can home in on its target), and it's the 57th design in the series of such bombs. The second B refers to the bomb's iteration (designations such as A/B, B/B, C/B, and so on are used for each adjustment made by military engineers). After the U.S.'s 2003 invasion of Iraq, engineers studied bunker strikes with smaller and older GBU models and found that they hadn't penetrated deeply enough and had done limited damage. The military required a more powerful weapon that would respect the ' nuclear taboo,' a widely accepted international consensus that the use of nuclear weapons is morally abhorrent and dangerous because it creates radioactive fallout, invites escalation, and risks driving allies and neutral states into diplomatic revolt. GBU-57/B—also known as a Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—was a solution. Its Air Force fact sheet sums it up as 'a weapon system designed to accomplish a difficult, complicated mission of reaching and destroying our adversaries' weapons of mass destruction located in well protected facilities.' On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. When dropped from 50,000 feet, the cruising ceiling for the B-2 Spirit bomber, the GBU-57/B uses sophisticated fins to guide it to its target. While the exact impact velocity is classified, it is estimated to exceed Mach 1—the speed of sound (767 mph). This strike delivers 800 to 900 megajoules (about 758,000 to 853,000 British thermal units) of kinetic energy—comparable to a 285-ton Boeing 747-400 touching down at 170 mph or a 565-ton Amtrak Acela train moving at 120 mph. With the bomb, however, all that energy is concentrated into a tiny area. According to a 2012 Congressional Research Service briefing, the GBU-57/B has been reported to burrow through 200 feet of concrete or bedrock with a density of 5,000 pounds per square inch (comparable to the strength of bridge decks or parking-garage slabs). Then its 5,300-pound explosive charge detonates. The GBU-57/B is designed to enhance this ability to pierce deep below the surface. Its nose has an ogive shape, like that of a Gothic arch. Just as such arches are known for distributing weight effectively, the bomb's nose has no sharp corners that cause air drag. Then, upon impact, the rounded shape spreads the initial crushing load gradually through the bomb's steel casing instead of concentrating it at one brittle point. This allows the casing to remain intact as it bores into the earth. The casing also has high sectional density. In this context, sectional density refers to the ratio of an object's mass to the size of the face that first meets whatever surface the object is moving through. A hammer striking a board has high sectional density because it concentrates its mass in a small area; a pillow does not. In the case of the bomb, a great deal of mass and momentum is packed behind a small point. Whereas the ogive nose minimizes drag and structural shock, the high sectional density concentrates velocity and force, allowing the bomb to punch deep into stone. About one fifth of the warhead's 5,342-pound total weight is made up of two explosives: 4,590 pounds of AFX-757 plus 752 pounds of PBXN-114. Both create a larger blast than earlier bombs while being sufficiently insensitive to survive the shock of the initial strike. The detonation itself is timed by a specialized fuse that can be programmed from within the bomber cockpit. The fuse 'counts' layers of rock or concrete, 'hears' the hollow of a tunnel or chamber and then fires a detonator into the smaller PBXN-114 charge so that the main charge explodes only after the bomb has bored well inside the target. The released energy is roughly equivalent to about three to four tons of TNT. But because so much of the bomb's 30,000 pounds is hardened steel, much of its destructive effect comes from its kinetic punch, delivered at sonic speed. Though suspected of having nuclear weapons, Israel has so far respected the nuclear taboo. To destroy Fordo without them, it would need both the GBU-57/B and a B-2 Spirit bomber, the only aircraft designed to drop the bomb (it's capable of releasing two, one from each bay). Otherwise Israel could, in theory, only chip at Fordo's periphery—by destroying power sources, collapsing entrances or sending saboteurs—while uranium continues to be enriched below. Fordo is so well protected that a Royal United Services Institute op-ed states that 'even the GBU-57/B would likely require multiple impacts at the same aiming point to have a good chance of penetrating the facility.' Despite media claims that GBU-57/B bombs were used to strike Houthi targets in Yemen, the U.S. Air Force states that these weapons have never been used in combat and that only a few dozen are stockpiled. So far, the U.S. has refused to hand Israel any of them—or the B-2 Spirit bomber required to drop them and collapse a mountain.
Pink Villa
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Ajith Kumar to join forces with Good Bad Ugly director Adhik Ravichandran for his 64th film?
Ajith Kumar and director Adhik Ravichandran took the big screens by a storm earlier this year with Good Bad Ugly. Now, it seems that both of them will be reuniting soon. As per a report by Aakashavaani, the superstar and director would once again be joining hands. Moreover, the film will be bankrolled by Mythri Movie Makers, making it their 2nd Tamil venture after GBU. While an official confirmation is expected to be made soon, Ajith Kumar has yet to announce his 64th cinematic project. The actor had already confirmed that he would work in a movie only during the racing off-season, most likely in the latter half of 2025. Earlier, the names of various directors like Karthik Subbaraj, Prashanth Neel, Venkat Prabhu, and even Dhanush were doing the rounds to work with AK. However, it seems fans can expect AK64 to most likely be helmed by Adhik. Talking about the actor's motorsport career, Ajith recently launched his own team, Ajith Kumar Racing, recently. Being the team owner and racer, the crew managed to bag several accolades after their performances in Dubai and Europe. Coming to Ajith's cinematic front, the superstar was last seen in the action drama flick Good Bad Ugly. The movie, directed by Adhik Ravichandran, featured the tale of AK, a former crime boss popularly known as Red Dragon. After the birth of his son, the gangster decides to atone for his crime-filled past and serves an 18-year-long sentence in jail. However, upon his release, he finds out that his son has been framed for a crime he never committed. Now, AK must go back to his old ways to figure out who targeted his son and clear his name once and for all. Apart from the Vidaamuyarchi actor, GBU had Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Sunil, Prabhu, Prasanna, Karthikeya Dev, Priya Prakash Varrier, Jackie Shroff, Shine Tom Chacko, and many more in key roles. The movie received mixed reviews upon release but was a massive hit in theaters, especially filled with nostalgic elements of the actor's stardom. Following its theatrical run, the film is now available for streaming on Netflix.
Pink Villa
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
PHOTOS: Arjun Das cherishes his conversations with Pawan Kalyan from They Call Him OG sets
They Call Him OG, starring Pawan Kalyan in the lead role, is slated to release on September 25, 2025. As the movie is undergoing its production works, Arjun Das has penned his experience working with the Power Star. In a post on social media, the GBU actor expressed how he cherishes the moments shared with the actor. He highlighted how the actor-politician always found time to hold a conversation with him despite having a busy schedule. Dropping two pictures alongside the actor, Arjun said, 'It has been an absolute honour Pawan Kalyan Garu. Will cherish every single day of working with you. Thank you for taking time out whenever we shot, to sit down & talk to me despite your extremely busy schedule.' 'Will forever cherish our conversations. I truly hope I get to collaborate with you again Sir,' he added. Pawan Kalyan poses with Arjun Das at OG sets Pawan Kalyan starrer They Call Him OG is an actioner, directed by Sujeeth. The movie features the story of a feared gangster, Ojas Gambheera aka OG. Despite being a ruthless figure, the man disappeared from the streets of Mumbai and makes a return after 10 years, with vengeance in his mind. As the Gabbar Singh actor plays the lead, the cinematic venture features Emraan Hashmi as the main antagonist with Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Prakash Raj, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Sriya Reddy, and more as the supporting cast. Coming to Pawan Kalyan's work front, the actor is next set to appear in the swashbuckler action venture Hari Hara Veera Mallu. The film, partially directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and the rest by AM Jyothi Krishna, features the story of an outlaw of steals the Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Mughals. Apart from the actor-politician in the lead role, actors like Bobby Deol, Nidhhi Agerwal, Nargis Fakhri, Nora Fatehi, and many more are in key roles. While the movie was initially announced to release on June 12, 2025, but has once again been postponed. Furthermore, the actor also has the film Ustaad Bhagat Singh in his lineup, which is said to be an adaptation of Thalapathy Vijay's Theri.
Pink Villa
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Dhanush's father Kasthuri Raja confirms legal action against Good Bad Ugly makers over unauthorised use of his songs
Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, Good Bad Ugly—starring Ajith Kumar—emerged as a superhit at the box office. The Tamil action thriller earned special praise for its screenplay, performances, music, and more. It recently debuted on Netflix for its digital run. Filmmaker Kasthuri Raja confirms legal action against Good Bad Ugly makers Months after its release, Dhanush's father and filmmaker Kasthuri Raja has confirmed that he is taking legal action against the makers of Good Bad Ugly. Speaking at a recent event, he criticized new-generation filmmakers for relying heavily on nostalgia by using old music tracks in new films—often without seeking permission from the original creators. Speaking during the promotional spree for his film Saamakoodangi in Salem, Kasthuri Raja said, 'Unlike when stalwarts like Ilaiyaraaja and Deva created timeless music, today's creators seem to rely on nostalgia rather than innovation. It's not an issue to use old tracks, but one must seek permission from the original creators. Unfortunately, no one bothers to ask these days.' Why will Kasthuri Raja take legal action on GBU? For those unversed, back in April, composer Ilaiyaraaja's team sent a legal notice to the makers of Good Bad Ugly for the unauthorized use of his songs 'Ilamai Idho Idho,' 'En Jodi Manja Kuruvi,' and 'Oththa Roova' in the film. The notice stated that these compositions were used, altered, and commercially exploited in the Ajith Kumar starrer without obtaining any permission from the original composer. Furthermore, Ilaiyaraaja 's team demanded a compensation of Rs. 5 crore from the makers of the film, along with a written apology and the immediate removal of the songs in question. Good Bad Ugly producers' counter statement on claims In response, the producers of the film, Mythri Movie Makers, issued a counter statement in April, dismissing the accusations of unauthorized use of songs. They stated, 'We have taken permission from all the music labels required for the songs we used in the film. The labels hold the rights, so we have followed protocol and taken NOCs from them. We have done things by the book.'
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I'm excited about paying a tribute to Simran ma'am: Priya Prakash Varrier
'Ajith sir is a beautiful human inside and out. To have the privilege to get to know him, spend time, and have conversations with him was the best takeaway (from GBU ) for me," says Priya Prakash Varrier. Right now, I'm looking forward to being more active in Tamil,' says Priya Prakash Varrier , who made her Tamil debut earlier this year with Dhanush's Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam ( NEEK ). In a chat with us, the actress, who states that she feels 'blessed and grateful' for the love coming her way for Good Bad Ugly ( GBU ), talks to us about her career and what lays ahead. Excerpts from the interview: 'I DIDN'T KNOW I WOULD BE PERFORMING THOTTU THOTTU PESUM' Speaking about GBU , Priya says, ' GBU is my second film in Tamil, and the audience has turned it into a huge celebration. The acceptance I got for it has made me happy and satisfied as an artiste. I didn't exactly know what I was going to do in the film or that I would be performing the song Thottu Thottu Pesum ( Ethirum Puthirum ). 'I'm excited about paying a tribute to a legendary actress like Simran ma'am.' 'Ajith sir and I spoke about family, travelling, and cars' Sharing her working experience with GBU co-stars Ajith and Arjun Das, she states, 'Ajith sir is a beautiful human inside and out. To have the privilege to get to know him, spend time, and have conversations with him was the best takeaway (from GBU ) for me. On the set, we spoke about family, travelling, and cars. It was also great to work with Arjun Das. He is sweet and passionate. He is very into his work and was a very supportive co-star.' 'MY CHARACTERS IN NEEK AND GBU WERE POLAR OPPOSITES' Priya says NEEK was a good platform for her entry into the Tamil industry. 'I was listening to a lot of scripts in Tamil, but was waiting to start out with the right project that challenged and excited me. I felt NEEK would be a great kickstart for my career here. My characters in NEEK and GBU are polar opposites. Preethi ( NEEK ) is like a girlnext-door, while Nithya ( GBU ) is a bit on the wilder side.' 'ADHIK IS CHILL; DHANUSH SIR IS SERIOUS' The actress reveals how different Dhanush and Adhik Ravichandrann (director of GBU ) are when it comes to direction. 'Adhik is more chill; he enjoys the process and has fun on set. With him, you have no clue what you are doing. He surprises you and makes you surprise yourself. Dhanush sir is technically sound, disciplined, and professional. He is serious when it comes to what he needs. He told me that Preethi isn't coy and is rather straightforward. That helped me define my character in NEEK .' 'LANGUAGE BARRIER HASN'T BEEN MUCH OF AN ISSUE FOR ME' Priya considers herself fortunate to have already worked in five languages in a short span of time. 'For me, there hasn't been much of a language barrier. I was not familiar with Kannada and Telugu, but I can understand both languages now. I can also talk a little bit of Telugu. But learning Tamil and Hindi have pretty much been easy. Right now, I'm looking forward to being more active in Tamil.' 'I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE WINK GOING VIRAL; IT CHANGED MY LIFE' Having rose to fame as the 'wink girl' (her winking in the Malayalam film Oru Adaar Love (2019) went viral), Priya shares, 'I'm grateful for it (the wink going viral) because it changed my life. Only when I do something bigger than that will people resonate with it. Right now, more people are talking about GBU in reference to me. So, I hope to keep growing as a performer and break my track record with each project.' 'TROLLING AND HATRED DID NOT TAKE A TOLL ON ME' Shortly after she became a sensation, Priya was also subjected to trolling. 'When I was shown a lot of love, I was very neutral to it. That's why the trolling and hatred did not take a toll on me. I was pretty neutral to it. It's important to keep yourself grounded and focused on what you want to do in life. It's very easy to get carried away in all this,' she opines.
