Earlier this summer we were fortunate enough to have some time available to partake in an exclusive tour of the Trinity Site. Hosted by the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History (in Albuquerque, NM) the tour was limited to two bus loads of adventurers.
The Trinity Site is the place where the first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945 at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain Time. Located within the White Sands Missile Range the site was declared a historic landmark in 1975. The 51,500 acre area includes the spot where the bomb was exploded – Ground Zero, the Schmidt/McDonald House – where the plutonium core for the bomb was assembled, and Base Camp – where the scientists and support personnel lived.
Twice a year the site is open to the public – once in the spring and once in the fall.
But our tour took place on June 24, 2010 – and was very different in regards to the volume of people attending the event.
The advantages of going on the tour are that the museums docents provide great information along the way, you don’t have to do the driving, you’re in a comfortable air-conditioned environment, and lunch is included. Did I mention you don’t have to do the driving – you’ll really appreciate this on the way back home.
While there be on the look out for Trinitite – the name given to the green glass that formed on the desert floor from the explosion. Please do not remove any of the Trinitite you might find. Not only is it strictly prohibited, but so much of it has already been removed that there are only a few pieces left to be discovered and enjoyed by the next group of visitors. The piece in the photo was returned to the ground – maybe you can find it again on your adventure to Ground Zero.
BTW: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History will be hosting another Trinity Tour in October 2010. For more information you can visit the museum at 601 Eubank Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123, or call 505-245-2137. Plus don’t forget to check out their web site: http://www.nuclearmuseum.org/
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