Detection of the Electromagnetic Radiation from Nuclear Explosions in Space

Abstract

The electromagnetic signal generated by interaction of nuclear-explosion-induced electric currents with the geomagnetic field can serve as a basis for detecting nuclear explosions which take place at extreme distances from the earth. In the present paper, an earlier theory of this phenomenon developed by the authors is extended to allow estimates of the maximum detection range. It is concluded that this electromagnetic signal may be detectable at distances of the order of ${10}^7$ ${Y_{\mathrm{kt}}}^{\frac{1}{2}}$ km from a nuclear explosion of total yield $Y_{\mathrm{kt}}$ kilotons.