When "weather" (???) changed the world?

[underpants]

that was weather?

[OnlinePoker]

1. Well, it was a high pressure ridge with a rapid rise in temperature...

...followed by a rain of ashes.

[Reacher]

4. Probably refers to the original target Kokura Arsenal

which was actually a military target but due to weather they diverted to the mostly civilian target of Nagasaki.

[Motown_Johnny]

7. Welcome to DU, and thanks for the very informative post

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. They changed the target because of weather

By the time 'Bockscar' got near to its primary target, Kokura, it became clear that the weather had saved the city. The city was covered by cloud. Sweeney made three runs over the city but could find not break. With lack of fuel an issue, he decided to move to his only other target - Nagasaki. Sweeney only had enough fuel for one run over the city and not enough to fly back to Tinian. He would have to land at Okinawa.

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/bombing_of_nagasaki.htm

[underpants]

5. Okay

now I understand

[MountainLaurel]

3. If memory serves correctly

Nagasaki was chosen at the last minute because another location was clouded over.

[underpants]

6. They needed to be that accurate?

:shrug:

[KG]

8. no kidding.

[Reacher]

9. Not only to hit the target, the bombsites were optical,

but the scientists wanted clear skies for their instruments to record the carnage.