Silencing the Bomb: One Scientist's Quest to Halt Nuclear Testing

In December 2016, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock thirty seconds forward to two and a half minutes to midnight. A group of scientists has been fighting to turn back the clock, advocating a halt to nuclear testing and culminating in the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Seismologist Lynn R. Sykes has dedicated his career to halting nuclear testing and has been able to deploy the science of plate tectonics to reveal the truth. Silencing the Bomb is a timely and necessary chronicle of one scientist's efforts to keep the clock from striking midnight.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2017
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In December 2016, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists (BAS) unveiled a significant change by moving their iconic Doomsday Clock thirty seconds forward to two and a half minutes to midnight, marking the latest time it has been set since 1952, the year of the first United States hydrogen bomb test. However, a group of scientists, including geologists, engineers, and physicists, have been tirelessly advocating for a reversal of this alarming trend. Since the dawn of the Cold War, these scientists have tirelessly campaigned for a halt to nuclear testing, culminating in the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which remains pending ratification from China, Iran, North Korea, and the United States. At the core of the CTBT lies the fundamental principle of each nation's ability to independently monitor the nuclear activity of the others.

One of the central figures in the development of the science and technology used for monitoring is the renowned seismologist Lynn R. Sykes. In his book "Silencing the Bomb," Sykes shares the compelling story behind scientists' quest for disarmament. Called upon time and again to testify before Congress and inform the public, Sykes and his colleagues were among the few individuals on Earth who could confidently determine when, where, and how large a bomb was tested during the Cold War.

Seismologists made a groundbreaking discovery when they realized that methods of measuring earthquakes could also detect underground nuclear explosions. This revelation provided a crucial tool in the fight against nuclear proliferation. When politicians on both sides of the Iron Curtain attempted to sidestep disarmament or test ban treaties, Sykes and his colleagues deployed the nascent science of plate tectonics to reveal the truth. Their discoveries helped bring about treaties limiting nuclear testing, but it was their activism that played a pivotal role in the quest for peace.

"Silencing the Bomb" is a timely and essential chronicle that delves into the complex world of international politics, intrigue, and hard science. It sheds light on the tireless efforts of scientists and activists who have dedicated their lives to preventing nuclear war and promoting global peace. The book is filled with captivating anecdotes, insightful analysis, and powerful insights that will engage readers of all ages and backgrounds.

In conclusion, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' move to advance the Doomsday Clock in 2016 serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for disarmament. However, the work of scientists, engineers, and physicists, as highlighted in "Silencing the Bomb," offers hope for a brighter future. By advocating for a halt to nuclear testing, promoting the CTBT, and utilizing the power of science to reveal the truth, these individuals are working tirelessly to create a world that is safer, more peaceful, and more sustainable for generations to come.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 235 x 166 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231182485