The Course of a Nuclear War
Introduction
Well, planet Earth’s been through two world wars. World War One (1914–1918) was called the ‘Great War’ but funny enough, a Greater War broke out only two decades later. About 20 million people died in the First World War. About 60 million died in the Second World War. These wars were fought like a hundred years ago but so many people died. With the crazy technology we have now, a Third World War wouldn’t be anything short of catastrophic.
“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones,” — Albert Einstein.
The big baddies we have on our hands right now are called nuclear weapons, or nukes. You probably know what an atom is, those tiny particles that make up everything. Well, an atom has a nucleus. Keeping things simple, the nucleus releases a lot of energy when you split it, or merge it with another nucleus. That’s where the concept of nukes originates.
But enough of the atomic physics. Let’s talk some history. During the Cold War, there were several incidents that almost led to nuclear war (If you’re interested, you can check out the long list here). With all these nuclear close calls, one may wonder, if nuclear war does break out at any point, what would happen? What would be the course of the war?
1. The war starts
Let’s assume the Russian president woke up on the wrong side of the bed today and was like, “Let’s nuke America!” (Please, assume is in italics for a reason)
Only a short while after he gave the command, nukes are flying from Russia to America and Russia may use an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attack to ‘weaken’ US technology.
Only a few minutes after, the US would be aware of the coming threat with their advanced technology. The US will have two options: just sit still because it may be a false alarm or fight back. In our completely hypothetical situation, the US fights back. Moments later, the US is firing its nukes at Russia.
The war has began.
2. A few minutes into the war
The curtains rise on this apocalyptic play with a dazzling display of mushroom clouds when the nukes hit the ground. Each nuclear detonation can be as hot as the sun, or even hotter. Each nuclear detonation sends out insane wind speeds that can range from at least 300m/s (on average). Each nuclear detonation can destroy entire cities, killing tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people in an instant. The not-so-lucky ones who were a few miles away will get cancer, eventually.
Major powers unleash their nuclear arsenals like a fireworks show. The world watches in horror as geopolitical disputes turn into a global spectacle. Popcorn, anyone? Might as well enjoy the show when there’s nothing we can do to stop it.
3. A few hours into the war
As the fallout settles, we enter a surreal world where radiation levels spike, and our once-thriving cities transform into eerie ghost towns. Geiger counters (which measure radioactivity) become the new fashion accessory, and fallout shelters, the hottest real estate.
Survival tip: Stock up on canned goods and learn to love your new home – the fallout shelter.
In this eerie aftermath, the skeletons of skyscrapers stand as reminders of what was once a bustling metropolis. The laughters are replaced by the haunting howls of the wind through empty streets.
Meanwhile, as radiation mutates the flora and fauna, a new order emerges. Glow-in-the-dark rabbits and three-headed squirrels become the undisputed rulers of this post-apocalyptic kingdom. Nature reclaims its throne, but it’s not the nature we once knew.
In this harsh landscape torn by nuclear war, there’s only one goal: surviving as long as possible.
4. Post-War
Years pass, and what’s left of humanity is a sad orchestra of silence. Nuclear winter sets in, blanketing the Earth in a chilling frostbite. Somehow like the ice ages, but with radiation everywhere. Only those who somehow stayed safe from the radiation would live a while longer than the others. Likely, most, if not all, plants and animals would die out, leaving no food for us to eat (as if the radiation weren’t bad enough). Forget about Instagram influencers; Mother Nature takes center stage, showcasing her frosty makeover.
Conclusion
In this tragic tale, mankind takes a final bow, leaving behind a planet that echoes with the silence of extinction. This hypothetical journey is likely what would happen if a nuclear war broke out. Sometimes, I personally think it would’ve been best if mankind never invented nuclear weapons as they basically gave us the ability to destroy ourselves. Our leaders have done some crazy things before, but they’re not crazy enough to start a nuclear war, hopefully.
