‘Oppenheimer’ fanfare likely to fuel record attendance at New Mexico’s Trinity atomic bomb test site

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The anticipation of record-breaking attendance is building at New Mexico’s Trinity atomic bomb test site, largely fueled by the ongoing enthusiasm surrounding Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film, “Oppenheimer.” Thousands of visitors are expected to converge on this historic location where the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated.

Trinity Site, a designated National Historic Landmark, typically remains closed to the public due to its proximity to the missile impact zone at White Sands Missile Range. However, twice a year, in April and October, the site opens its gates to spectators. This occasion is akin to securing a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

White Sands officials caution that the wait time to enter the site could extend up to two hours. Only a maximum of 5,000 visitors will be accommodated between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Those planning to attend should prepare accordingly, as Trinity Site is located in a remote area with limited Wi-Fi, no cell service, and no restroom facilities.

“Oppenheimer,” which recounts the clandestine efforts of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the top-secret Manhattan Project during World War II, enjoyed significant success at the summer box office. In the 1940s, scientists and military personnel established a covert city in Los Alamos, testing their groundbreaking work at the Trinity Site, situated some 200 miles (322 kilometers) away.

The film’s popularity was amplified by the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, where moviegoers combined it with the “Barbie” movie for a double feature outing.

While the atomic bomb’s lore has become a part of pop culture, it represents a painful reality for residents living downwind of Trinity Site. The Tularosa Basin Downwinders intend to stage a protest outside the gates, aiming to remind visitors of a historical aspect they believe the movie overlooked.

According to the group, the U.S. government never warned residents about the testing, leading to soil and water contamination from radioactive ash. Rates of infant mortality, cancer, and other illnesses surged, leaving younger generations grappling with health issues today.

The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, in collaboration with the Union of Concerned Scientists and others, has tirelessly worked to shed light on the far-reaching impact of the Manhattan Project. A new documentary by filmmaker Lois Lipman, titled “First We Bombed New Mexico,” made its world premiere at the Santa Fe International Film Festival.

The newfound notoriety from “Oppenheimer” has been warmly embraced in Los Alamos, located over 200 miles (321 kilometers) to the north of the Tularosa Basin. Approximately 200 local residents, including many from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, served as extras in the film, and the city even hosted an Oppenheimer Festival in July.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Trinity Atomic Bomb Site

More about Trinity Atomic Bomb Site

• Trinity Site – National Park Service
• White Sands Missile Range
• Oppenheimer (film) – IMDb
• Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium
• Union of Concerned Scientists
• First We Bombed New Mexico – Santa Fe International Film Festival