The Stokes atmospheric nuclear test was conducted at the Nevada Test Site on August 7, 1957. The tests was conducted as part the operation "Plumbbob" testing events. Stokes produced 9 kilotons and was exploded from a balloon. Credit: Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Here’s debate on nuclear power at LiveScience. Check it out for a quick pro/con breakdown on the energy source. For the record I have no problem with nuclear energy. It’s controversial and there are strong pros and strong cons to the issue, but to me the pros win this one.
From the link:
While the nucleus of an atom is tiny, an extraordinary amount of energy helps hold it together. Nuclear power seeks to harness that energy to safely provide electricity.
Roughly 100 nuclear power plants are now operating in the United States, supplying about one-fifth of the nation’s electricity. These will start to be retired in 2029, and nearly all will be retired by 2050, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a science advocacy group.
No new nuclear power plants are currently under construction in the United States. However, about 30 are now in various stages of planning, said Alan Nogee, director of the clean energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
David Kirkpatrick 