---
name: "nuke"
section: "8fun"
platform: "linux"
package: "asr-manpages"
version: "1.3-6"
release: "Debian 7 (Wheezy)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/nuke/8fun"
---

# nuke(8fun)

launch nuclear weapons at mapped USENET sites

## NAME

nuke - launch nuclear weapons at mapped USENET sites

## SYNOPSIS

**/etc/nuke** \[**-y** *yield*\] \[**-a** *height*\] \[**-hcm**\] *sitename...*

## DESCRIPTION

*Nuke* employs the \`missile coordinate' fields in the USENET map database and Internet connections to a server interfaced with AUTOVON to lob nuclear weapons at other UNIX sites, specified by name.  The default warhead is a single 25KT groundburst tac nuke; options support other combinations of warhead size, type and deployment.

The -y option specifies a yield.  The argument must be a number suffixed by K or M, for kiloton or megaton respectively.  Yield arguments above 255M are quietly ignored.

The -a option specifies an air-burst height in meters.

The -h option specifies thermonuclear (hydrogen) weapons.

The -c option specifies cobalt-jacketed warheads for permanent site interdiction.

The -m option, useful with multiple-site *nuke* calls, invokes code which optimizes delivery using MIRVed warheads to minimize launches.

In accordance with the normal UNIX design philosophy *nuke* does not prevent you from nuking yourself.

## FILES

- */usr/lib/maps/\**

  USENET map file database

## BUGS

If a target site has given only nearest-city coordinates in its map entry, incorrect targeting and significant collateral casualties may result.

Heavy use of *nuke* may cause EMP effects which interfere with Internet service.

## NOTE

This command is restricted to super-users only.

## AUTHOR

Eric S. Raymond \<esr@thyrsus.com\>