1950's atomic bomb tests viewed from Los Angeles

By Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Ed.

These photos from 1951 and 1952 show what the final atom bomb tests looked like in Los Angeles, about 300 miles away from the Yucca Flat proving grounds in Nevada. You can see the false 'aurora borealis' lighting up the dark.  

A caption, dated February 2, 1951, reads, "Today's atomic explosion, largest yet set off on the Nevada test range, was clearly visible in Los Angeles, as remarkable photo shows. Staff photographer Perry Folwer was ready with his camera on a tripod on the roof of the Herald-Express building when the blast occurred at 5:48 a.m. Reporter Jack Smith, who also saw yesterday's explosion, points towards the great white flash that clearly silhouetted mountains to the east." ---o0o--