What is Operation Crossroads?
Operation Crossroads were the fourth and fifth nuclear explosions in history, after the Trinity test and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The two detonations were called Able and Baker. The detonations were similar in yield to the Trinity test (20 kilotons of TNT equivalent), Hiroshima (13 kt) and Nagasaki (21 kt), with a yield of 21 kt for Able and 23 kt for Baker. Operation Crossroads took place in the Marshall Islands, with small fleets of derelict ships being the targets. Operation Crossroads was the first detonation of nuclear weapons at sea, as well as the first nuclear weapons tests to be announced ahead of time. The tests occurred at on 1 July 1946 for Able, 25 July 1946 for Baker. A third test, Charlie, was planned, but subsequently canceled for undisclosed reasons. Operation Crossroads was the first opportunity for scientists and military men to see the effects of a nuclear explosion at sea, and for many not present at the Trinity test, their first time observing
