SEASON 8 | EP 12

The Extraterrestrial Highway 

In this episode of Wild Nevada, host Chris Orr explores the unique attractions and scientific history found along Nevada State Route 375, famously known as the Extraterrestrial Highway. Throughout the journey, he balances alien-themed fun with a deeper look at the region's fascinating geology and aerospace history.

Key stops and highlights include:

• Tonopah: Chris and nuclear physicist Taylor Wilson begin in this historic mining town, which sits at the center of significant aerospace history, including the development of the F-117 Stealth Fighter and X-15 test flights.
   
• Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark: They explore this massive volcanic crater, which served as a critical training ground for Apollo astronauts to learn geology and prepare for lunar exploration.
   
• Project Faultless Test Site: The pair visits the site of an underground megaton-yield nuclear test from the 1960s, discussing the environmental impacts and the subsequent shift in nuclear testing policies.
   
• Alamo Breccia: Near Hancock Summit, Chris examines the Alamo Breccia, a rocky layer providing evidence of a massive extraterrestrial impact (an asteroid or comet) that occurred approximately 300 million years ago when the area was underwater.

Resources from this episode:

• The Extraterrestrial Highway, on Facebook and Instagram.
• Giant Leap Podcast, on Facebook and on Instagram.
• Lunar Crater National Landmark
• Project Faultless Test Site
• Alamo Breccia
• Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park/City of Tonopah

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