Corolinth wrote:
There are other possible explanations for Tunguska besides the air burst of a large meteor, that just happens to be the most plausible. That it is plausible is what is most relevant here. Such large air bursts can and do happen, and they can be in the city-destroying nuclear weapon range. It is at this juncture that I should point out that Little Boy exploded a quarter of a mile in the air. It wasn't what most people would consider to be even remotely close to the ground.
More like over a third of a mile in the air; approximately 1900 feet. Interestingly, post-attack analysis indicated that was actually even too low for maximum destructive effect on the city at large and (theoretically speaking; it's not like Hiroshima didn't take enough damage) actually should ahve been detonated higher still, although it was still more than high enough to qualify as an air burst since the fireball was only 1200 feet in diameter.
In modern targeting, cities are not targeted in and of themselves in the way Hiroshima was; specific structures and facilities are targeted. If I were targeting, say, Philadelphia and environs, targets would include the runways at the airport (ground bursts) rail yards (ground bursts) the Marcus Hook oil refinery (air burst) and the Navy Yard (air burst) just off the top of my head. This wouldn't be likely to make much difference to the residents of Philadelphia however since in addition to the fact that we're talking at least 6 initiations right there (maybe 7; can't remember how many runways are at Philly Int'l) they're all likely to be significantly more powerful than the Hiroshima weapon, a relative pygmy.
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unexpected spit-take