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Currents · History · 2026-08-15

A US satellite detected a mysterious flash in 1979; the CIA said it was probably a nuclear test, but nearly 50 years later, the mystery remains unsolved

A US satellite observed dual flashes in the South Atlantic back in 1979, leading intelligence officials to speculate a nuclear test with notable certainty. Contrary to this theory, a White House committee suggested a meteoroid strike as a more plausible explanation. Yet, revived inquiries over the y... A US satellite observed dual flashes in the South Atlantic back in 1979, leading intelligence officials to speculate a nuclear test with notable certainty. Contrary to this theory, a White House committee suggested a meteoroid strike as a more plausible explanation. Yet, revived inquiries over the years indicated potential nuclear activity close to

Why it matters. It highlights the challenges in verifying international nuclear treaties and the enduring ambiguity in intelligence assessments.

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