Only color photo of the first atomic detonation at the Trinity Site, 1945
RG93_102_016.pdf
Information
Collection name
Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
1945-07-16
Decade
1940s
Photographer
Aeby, Jack
Subject (LCSH)
Atomic bomb
Blast effect
Nuclear explosions
Trinity Site (N.M.)
Historical context
The White Sands Proving Ground (WSPG) was established in July 9, 1945 and renamed White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in 1958. The world's first atomic bomb was detonated at Trinity Site, at the north end of WSPG, July 16, 1945. The military range served as a principal location for testing rocket technology following World War II, including V-2 rockets brought from Germany at the end of the war. WSMR is known as the birthplace of missile and space activity in the United States. The images in the collection depict WSMR views, V-2 rocket tests, Trinity Site, the old mining site of Estey City (located on the range), and personnel affiliated with operations at WSPG during the mid-1940s. The photographs were donated by the WSMR Public Affairs Office
Provenance
White Sands Missile Range, Public Affairs Office
Extent
Size original: 10 x 8 in.
Notes
The only color image of the Trinity Site atomic bomb explosion
It was taken from base camp, about 10 miles to the southwest of ground zero by Jack Aeby
He used a 5mm camera and was straddling a chair with his arms propped on the back
This is the correct orientation for the image
Some have flipped the negative to make it match photos taken from the opposite direction – north
Note on verso: "Only color photo of 1st atomic detonation at Trinity Site, July 16, 1945"
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s