A flash. A roar. A ball of fire. In this Opinion Video, we show you what would happen if even just one tactical nuclear bomb was used today. Drawing on extensive interviews with scientists and military officials, this scenario is a precise imagining of what it would mean to experience a nuclear explosion. The risk of nuclear conflict is higher now than any time since the Cold War, and a single warhead could leave thousands dead, exponentially more wounded and ecosystems scarred for years.

Over the past year, NYT Opinion has been reporting on threat of nuclear war through the series At the Brink. Read more here: nytimes.com/thebrink

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"This Is What a Nuclear Strike Would Feel Like" is nominated at the 2025 Emmy Awards in the category Outstanding Art Direction / Set Decoration / Scenic Design – Documentary.