bhangmeter

[eub]

bhangmeter	       an instrument for detecting atmospheric nuclear
			explosions, through their characteristic optical
			signature: a short (millisecond-length) and 
			exceedingly bright peak, due to a glimpse of the 
			fireball; a dip in brightness as the fireball is
			overtaken by the opaque (ionized) shockwave edge;
			a second peak, slower and broader.
			[var. of /bang/, reportedly with reference to /bhang/,
			cannabis leaves and stems taken as an intoxicant,
			in a spirit of skepticism of such an instrument's
			feasibility, and jocular doubt of its proponents'
			sobriety.]