The most controversial nuke program ever: Operation Plumbbob

It was the biggest and the most controversial nuclear test series to ever take place in the continental United States. Between May 28 and October 7, 1957, a series of 29 atomic bombs were detonated as part of a study of the effects that nuclear explosions had on structures, people and animals. About 16,000 American troops were exposed, as well as some 1,200 pigs. The final tab still wont be known for several years, but a 1997 National Cancer Institute Study estimate found that the Plumbob tests will be responsible for causing approximately 38,000 cases of thyroid cancer and some 1900 deaths. (Check out this rare video of Operation Plumbbob filmed by the United States Atomic Energy Commission.

The accompanying image shows the so-called Boltzmann fireball, photographed 11 miles from ground zero on May 28, 1957.

Credit: National Nuclear Security Administration / Nevada Site Office