What if we nuke the Atacama Desert?

The driest place on Earth — nuking the Atacama might vaporize minerals and pollute one of astronomy's best sites.

AtacamaChileSouth Americaastronomydroughtdesertscience
Published: 6/18/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Would observatories be affected?

Yes, including international telescopes.

Would this disrupt mining?

Yes, Chile’s copper industry is vulnerable.

Would it trigger climate anomalies?

Yes, regional weather could shift.