Video: Over 2,000 Nuclear Explosions Mapped in Animation

Artist Isao Hashimoto’s Nuclear Test Animation: 2024 Update

Artist Isao Hashimoto’s groundbreaking animation, “1945-1998,” visualized the history of nuclear weapons testing across the globe. This time-lapse world map chronicled 2,053 nuclear detonations over a 53-year period, offering a stark representation of the nuclear arms race.

Updated Nuclear Testing Landscape

As of 2024, the nuclear testing landscape has evolved:

Additional Tests
Since 1998, North Korea has conducted several nuclear tests, with confirmed tests in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2017. These tests were not included in Hashimoto’s original animation.

Global Test Ban
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), opened for signature in 1996, has significantly reduced nuclear testing. However, it has not yet entered into force due to some key nations not ratifying it.

Simulation Technologies
Many nuclear-capable countries now rely on computer simulations and subcritical experiments to maintain their nuclear arsenals without conducting full-scale tests.

Significance of Hashimoto’s Work

Hashimoto’s animation remains a powerful tool for visualizing the scale and intensity of nuclear testing:

Visual Impact
The animation’s simplicity and lack of text make it universally accessible, transcending language barriers.

Historical Perspective
It clearly shows the escalation of testing during the Cold War, with a peak in 1962 when over 100 tests were conducted.

Country-by-Country Analysis
The final segment of the animation, which organizes tests by country, provides insight into each nation’s nuclear program development.

Hashimoto’s Message

Isao Hashimoto created this work to raise awareness about the grave issue of nuclear proliferation. By presenting the data in a visually striking and accessible format, he aimed to engage viewers worldwide in contemplating the consequences of nuclear weapons development.

In 2024, while full-scale nuclear testing has decreased, the threat of nuclear weapons remains a pressing global concern. Hashimoto’s work continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the historical context and ongoing challenges in nuclear disarmament efforts.

Nuclear Tests by Country

Note: This is compiled by AI from several sources, so it may not be accurate, but it gives the general picture. United States conducted 5 underwater tests, which are included in the “Above Ground” count as they are considered atmospheric tests.