Continuing our nuclear theme this week, I thought it might be interesting to showcase some of the most amazing images of destruction that man and nature have ever devised.

Destruction can often be eerily beautiful. It can also remind us of how fragile our existence is and how we mustn’t take it for granted. Below, in no particular order are some of the most incredible pictures of nuclear explosions.

Operation Tumbler Snapper US 1952

Operation Upshot/Knothole US 1953

Operation Upshot/Knothole US 1953

Operation Ivy US 1952

Operation Buster-Jangle 1951 (US)

Operation Greenhouse 1951 (US)

Operation Redwing 1956 (US)