nuclear-news

Listing every move of the nuclear war Doomsday Clock

As Iran ramps up its nuclear program, a look at every movement of the Doomsday Clock National Post, Agence France-Presse  Jan 10, 2012  The Doomsday Clock was set up as a symbol of how close the world is to nuclear armageddon. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a prominent group of international scientists, move the minute hands on the clock toward (and sometimes away from) midnight (which symbolizes nuclear war).

In light of the increased tensions on the Strait of Hormuz, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved the clock once again, from 6-minutes-to-midnight to 5-minutes-to-midnight.

Below, a look at every movement of the Doomsday clock since it was introduced in 1947 and the reason the hands moved: 1947: Seven minutes to midnight

The clock first appears as a symbol of nuclear danger.

1949: Three minutes to midnight
The Soviet Union explodes its first atomic bomb.

1953: Two minutes to midnight
The United States and the Soviet Union test thermonuclear devices within nine months of one another……. 2012: Five minutes to midnight.

Global failure to take action against climate change, mounting nuclear tensions and an increasing tendency to reject science are cited as reasons for moving the clock.  http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01/10/as-iran-ramps-up-its-nuclear-program-a-look-at-every-movement-of-the-doomsday-clock/

January 11, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general