A fascinating and somewhat controversial event occurred during the 1957 Operation Plumbbob nuclear tests in Nevada. In one of these tests, called Pascal-B, a manhole cover was blasted into the sky by the force of an underground nuclear explosion. The steel cap was meant to seal the test shaft, but the force of the blast was so immense that it launched the cover at an estimated speed of 150,000 mph (241,400 km/h), well above Earth’s escape velocity. This would theoretically make it the fastest man-made object ever.
Though it’s not officially recognized, calculations suggest the manhole cover could have reached interstellar space. It traveled too fast to be captured on film more than in a single frame. However, the most likely scenario is that the manhole cover was vaporized by atmospheric friction shortly after its launch due to its speed and lack of aerodynamic design. Despite this, the story has gained legendary status, with some speculating that if it survived, it would have left Earth’s atmosphere long before any other object launched by humans, even before Sputnik.
Although there is no hard evidence, this event sparked much curiosity and debate among scientists. Some view it as an amusing thought experiment, while others question the possibility of the object surviving atmospheric exit. Modern calculations and physical theories suggest it might have burned up or been slowed down by drag, making it unlikely that it traveled as far as interstellar space.
For comparison, the NASA Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018, is now the fastest human-made object, traveling at 430,000 mph during its closest approach to the Sun. Nevertheless, the manhole cover story persists as one of the most intriguing “what if” tales in the history of science.
FAQ
Did the manhole cover reach space?
Although estimates suggest it could have reached space, most physicists agree it was likely vaporized by atmospheric friction before it could exit Earth’s atmosphere.
What was the speed of the manhole cover?
The speed was estimated at around 150,000 mph, well over six times the escape velocity of Earth.
Why isn’t this event officially recognized?
The manhole cover was not designed to be a space-faring object, and the evidence to prove it reached space is inconclusive. Most scientists consider the event a curious anecdote rather than a verified record.
What is the fastest man-made object on record?
As of 2021, the fastest man-made object is the Parker Solar Probe, which reached speeds of 430,000 mph during its closest approach to the Sun.
What was Operation Plumbbob?
Operation Plumbbob was a series of nuclear tests conducted in Nevada in 1957, aiming to study the effects of nuclear explosions on various structures and materials.
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