High-Altitude Nuclear Explosions Dangerous, but not for Reasons Gingrich Cites

The Stokes atmospheric nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site, August 7, 1957 Newt Gingrich has been warning the nation of the danger of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) a burst of radiation created by a high-altitude nuclear explosion. This pulse would take down electrical systems over hundreds or thousands of miles, the argument goes, knocking the U.S. back to the 19th Century. In theory, a