Round Rio Rancho

Twice a year the Trinity Site, the place where the first atomic bomb was detonated, opens its gates to the public. Although other videos we have seen made it appear to be rather boring, we were pleasantly surprised and intrigued! This location is a magnificent representation of iconic and revolutionary history in the United States. The Manhattan project was created in June of 1942 with the ultimate goal of creating an atomic bomb. Led by Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, a group of scientists and engineers designed and built this device in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Their device was tested at the Trinity Site, located about 30 minutes from Socorro, NM which is now part of the White Sands Missile Range. The monument offers a great educational experience with information on both the historical context and the technical and scientific aspects of the testing. Not to mention that you can pick up some quirky merchandise in the process. This area has radiation levels higher than the typical background exposure that we all experience, but safety is always a primary concern. The brief exposure that one will receive in one hour at the site is approximately equal to 1/4th the dose received in a coast to coast commercial flight. While the atomic bomb may not be on your list of favorite things, the Trinity Site is a worthwhile trip that we would highly recommend to anybody who has the opportunity.