There’s a new simulation of the horror of a nuclear bomb going off in New York City, and it’s pretty much everyone’s worst nightmare come to life. As tensions in the Middle East keep rising over Iran’s desire for nukes, this couldn’t be more relevant.
Nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein of the Stevens Institute of Technology has created an interactive map at nuclearsecrecy.com.
It shows the aftermath of different nukes in various places worldwide.
Now, let’s talk about the real shiver-down-your-spine part: what if a nuclear bomb like “Fat Man,” the one dropped on Nagasaki back in 1945, went off close to Manhattan?
Wellerstein’s model says that more than 287,000 people would die immediately, and over half a million more would be hurt badly in the hours and days after. The mess doesn’t just stop at the spot where the bomb hits. No, it spreads like wildfire, causing damage all over the city and even reaching New Jersey.
What Does the Post-Nuclear Bomb Map of New York Show?
The simulation breaks down the hypothetical nuclear bomb destruction into a few nasty parts. At the core, you’ve got the fireball radius, which is the worst spot to be. You’d be toast if you’re in neighborhoods like SoHo or NoHo. Entirely vaporized. This zone is so intense that it reaches over 597 feet tall and is a no-holds-barred death zone.
Moving out from there, you’ve got the red ring of heavy blast damage. This is where a half-mile radius turns into a wasteland. Imagine Little Italy gone, with only rubble left of those apartment complexes and offices.
Then there’s the green ring of radiation fallout.
Map of radioactive fallout in the USA from nuclear testing.
Interestingly, the first test, Trinity, in New Mexico is visible. pic.twitter.com/ScWYvUy0LX
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) May 25, 2025
This one’s a doozy, with a radius of over two miles. If you’re unlucky enough to be in places like Hudson Square or Greenwich Village, you’d be looking at deadly radiation levels. And the stats are grim: 15% of those who survived the initial hit would end up passing away from cancer within the first month.
Going further, you’ve got a moderate blast radius stretching 3.5 miles out. This is where residential buildings come crashing down, and fires are everywhere. The Meatpacking District and even Jersey City aren’t safe either.
And let’s not forget the thermal radiation radius that keeps expanding to six miles. If you’re here, you’re talking about third-degree burns even if you’re blocks away from the centre of the explosion.
Meanwhile, Iran Has Posted a Nuclear Message
Although the scenario is just a simulation, it hits near home, considering recent events. Only this week, Iranian state media uploaded a rather unsettling video featuring a hand gently touching a nuclear bomb, paired with the word “Maybe.” This comes as Israel has been stepping up their game, conducting targeted strikes on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities.
Israel, for their part, has taken out some big names in Iran’s nuclear program and military hierarchy. They’ve done so with surgical precision. Iran maintains that their pursuit of nukes is about keeping the lights on and its homes warm.
And let’s not forget about US President Donald Trump. He’s been pretty vocal on the issue, posting a rather intense message on Truth Social that read: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
🚨 JUST IN: President Trump calls for “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” from Iran, tells the Supreme Leader “we know exactly where you’re hiding.”
The threats are ramping up.
GET TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE NOW, IRAN! pic.twitter.com/tF6pAXpiCT
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 17, 2025
It’s clear he’s not mincing words regarding Iran’s leadership. Plus, he’s been beefing up the US military presence in the area, which suggests he’s not just talking the talk. He might be ready to walk the walk alongside Israel if things go from bad to worse concerning nuclear bomb threats.
With how things are going in the world, Wellerstein’s map isn’t just some academic tool; it’s a stark reminder of the severity that could happen. This is not just about games or lessons. It’s about what’s possible and what we should strive to avoid.
Sure, the odds of an actual nuclear attack are slim, but this simulation shows us why these weapons are the scariest thing humans have ever made. For people in New York, it’s a wake-up call to stay on our toes.
