‘Oppenheimer’ Fanfare Likely to Fuel Record Attendance at New Mexico’s Trinity Atomic Bomb Test Site

This photo shows an aerial view after the first atomic explosion at the Trinity Test Site near Alamogordo, N.M., on July 16, 1945. (AP)
This photo shows an aerial view after the first atomic explosion at the Trinity Test Site near Alamogordo, N.M., on July 16, 1945. (AP)
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‘Oppenheimer’ Fanfare Likely to Fuel Record Attendance at New Mexico’s Trinity Atomic Bomb Test Site

This photo shows an aerial view after the first atomic explosion at the Trinity Test Site near Alamogordo, N.M., on July 16, 1945. (AP)
This photo shows an aerial view after the first atomic explosion at the Trinity Test Site near Alamogordo, N.M., on July 16, 1945. (AP)

Thousands of visitors are expected to descend Saturday on the southern New Mexico site where the world's first atomic bomb was detonated, with officials preparing for a record turnout amid ongoing fanfare surrounding Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film, “Oppenheimer.”

Trinity Site, a designated National Historic Landmark, is usually closed to the public because of its proximity to the impact zone for missiles fired at White Sands Missile Range. But twice a year, in April and October, the site opens to spectators.

This may be the first time gaining entry will be like getting a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

White Sands officials warned online that the wait to enter the gates could be as long as two hours. No more than 5,000 visitors are expected to make it within the window between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Visitors also are being warned to come prepared as Trinity Site is in a remote area with limited Wi-Fi and no cell service or restrooms.

“Oppenheimer,” the retelling of the work of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the top-secret Manhattan Project during World War II, was a summer box office smash. Scientists and military officials established a secret city in Los Alamos during the 1940s and tested their work at the Trinity Site some 200 miles (322 kilometers) away.

Part of the film's success was due to the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon in which filmgoers made a double feature outing of the “Barbie” movie and “Oppenheimer."

While the lore surrounding the atomic bomb has become pop culture fodder, it was part of a painful reality for residents who lived downwind of Trinity Site. The Tularosa Basin Downwinders plan to protest outside the gates to remind visitors about a side of history they say the movie failed to acknowledge.

The group says the US government never warned residents about the testing. Radioactive ash contaminated soil and water. Rates of infant mortality, cancer and other illnesses increased. There are younger generations dealing with health issues now, advocates say.

The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium has worked with the Union of Concerned Scientists and others for years to bring attention to the Manhattan Project's impact. A new documentary by filmmaker Lois Lipman, “First We Bombed New Mexico,” made its world premiere Friday at the Santa Fe International Film Festival.

The notoriety from “Oppenheimer” has been embraced in Los Alamos, more than 200 miles (321 kilometers) north of the Tularosa Basin. About 200 locals, many of them Los Alamos National Laboratory employees, were extras in the film, and the city hosted an Oppenheimer Festival in July.



Saudi Falcons Club Expands Hunting Weapons, Ammunition Section at 2024 Exhibition

The exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition - SPA
The exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition - SPA
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Saudi Falcons Club Expands Hunting Weapons, Ammunition Section at 2024 Exhibition

The exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition - SPA
The exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition - SPA

The Saudi Falcons Club has expanded the section dedicated to hunting weapons and ammunition at this year's International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition.
Saudi companies at the event are showcasing weapons from 55 international brands, including custom-built firearms and related accessories, according to SPA.
In partnership with a specialized shipping company, the exhibition provides delivery services to eight regions of Saudi Arabia, adhering to strict protocols for the transportation of arms and ammunition.
The exhibition, held from October 3 to 12 on an area of more than 160,000 square meters, features daily workshops on falcon care and training.
Hundreds of exhibitors are also displaying a variety of products, including falcon supplies, camping equipment, and hunting tools.