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From: heuring@boulder.UUCP (Vincent Heuring)
Newsgroups: net.analog,net.misc
Subject: Re: "Nuclear Event Detector"
Message-ID: <233@boulder.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 22-Dec-85 12:51:19 EST
Article-I.D.: boulder.233
Posted: Sun Dec 22 12:51:19 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 25-Dec-85 01:38:26 EST
References: <799@brl-tgr.ARPA> <67@ttidcc.UUCP> <773@petrus.UUCP>
Reply-To: heuring@boulder.UUCP (Vincent Heuring)
Distribution: net
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
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Xref: watmath net.analog:581 net.misc:9029

Well, this subject brings up an almost 'racial fear' in most of us,
and well it should, since any sort of nuclear exchange of any magnitude
would bring and end to our life as we know it.

Nevertheless, the subject must be thought about.  Specifically, the
"EMP" -i.e. electromagnetic pulse, from a *single* nuclear device
exploded at high altitude over the middle of the US is estimated to
be of sufficient magnitude *over the entire surface of the US* as to
cause destruction of virtually every electronic device containing
any integrated circuits.

So we are in a position of extreme vulnerability versus the USSR
vis-a-vis emp damage --  even due to a single detonated device. Remember,
the USSR is still using large numbers of vacuum tube devices, whereas
the US has cleverly imbedded ic's in damn near everything except the
kitchen sink. Thus the concern for some kind of emp damage prevention
device.

Note: I am not in favor of nuclear war, "strategic exchanges", or
other Strangeloveian activities.