US Air Force analysts, or James Bond villians?

[Delta4Embassy]

The Plan to Nuke the Moon and Other Cold War Plots Revealed in Secret Documents
The Plan to Nuke the Moon and Other Cold War Plots Revealed in Secret Documents

"Analysts at the Air Force Special Weapons Center in New Mexico proposed setting off a nuclear explosion either on or near the moon. One reason to set off a lunar bomb, the study says, was to trigger “moonquakes” they could study. “Seismic observations on the moon are of great potential interest from the viewpoint of fundamental theories of the development of the solar system and of the moon itself. A large explosion would help ensure success of a first seismic experiment.”

Another reason for shooting the moon? To prove to the world that America could do it. “Specific positive effects would accrue to the nation first performing such a feat as a demonstration of advanced technological capability,’’ the report said. Of course, it added, there could be considerable negative reaction around the world to the United States setting off a nuke on or near the lunar surface, “unless the climate of world opinion were well-prepared.” "

 

[defcon4]

To prove to the world that America could do it.

Hmmmm…. makes a lot of sense doesn't it? Apparently the Apollo program wasn't enough convincing according to those morons.

 

[Delta4Embassy]

Without the Moon, only bad things happen. So let's not go nuking it ok.

Moon's gravity well has prevented countless meteors from hitting us as the cratered surface can attest. Tides are another aspect we've gotten used to.

 

[Pedro de San Patricio]

Air Force analysts are badass. They put up with long hours, forcibly retrained leadership, caffeine addictions, working environments that can charitably be described as freezing crypts, permanent insomnia, and all of the wondrous joys of spending thousands of hours annually on completely irrelevant mandatory training. Many of them even put up with all of this while suffering the added indignity of wearing blues. Truly they are our nation's best.

 

[Publius1787]

The Plan to Nuke the Moon and Other Cold War Plots Revealed in Secret Documents
The Plan to Nuke the Moon and Other Cold War Plots Revealed in Secret Documents

"Analysts at the Air Force Special Weapons Center in New Mexico proposed setting off a nuclear explosion either on or near the moon. One reason to set off a lunar bomb, the study says, was to trigger “moonquakes” they could study. “Seismic observations on the moon are of great potential interest from the viewpoint of fundamental theories of the development of the solar system and of the moon itself. A large explosion would help ensure success of a first seismic experiment.”

Another reason for shooting the moon? To prove to the world that America could do it. “Specific positive effects would accrue to the nation first performing such a feat as a demonstration of advanced technological capability,’’ the report said. Of course, it added, there could be considerable negative reaction around the world to the United States setting off a nuke on or near the lunar surface, “unless the climate of world opinion were well-prepared.” "