Online maps have begun to circulate, pinpointing where a nuclear conflict might erupt. One of the latest reveals that the United States’ capital is at significant risk.

A previously classified map has marked Washington DC as a prime possible target for a nuclear strike. This comes as nuclear fears are on the rise due to the ongoing violence in Russia, Ukraine and now the Middle East. Amid growing questions about America’s secret nuclear defence strategies – considered crucial for keeping the country safe – former Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Weber summed up the main worry: “A ‘Bolt out of the Blue’ attack against DC is what everyone in DC fears most”.

Official plans outline the country’s reaction to an unexpected offensive and identify DC as particularly exposed. Leaked documents warn that an attack on the capital could involve a one-megaton thermonuclear bomb. The blast from such a weapon would be incredibly powerful, generating heat up to five times hotter than the core of the sun.

Irwin Redlener, a public health expert at Columbia University, issued a warning about the potential consequences of a disaster, stating: “It would not be the end of life as we know it,” but rather “It would just be a horrific, catastrophic disaster with many, many unknown and cascading consequences”.

The Pentagon – the largest office building in the US – is home to 27,000 workers and holds a wealth of defence secrets, making it a prime target. Of course, the building was one of the targets of the 9/11 attack, with the explosion from the plane causing severe damage, starting fires and killing or wounding many members of the Pentagon workforce.

Another map circulating online illustrates potential nuclear targets across all 50 states, particularly on the East Coast and in California. Montana and North Dakota – states near the border with Canada in the west – are highlighted as critical targets due to the presence of missile silos and launch facilities.

Active nuclear facilities in states like Colorado, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming are identified as target clusters. 90 such installations are scattered across the country, including in Alabama, Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

Major urban centres, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC are often viewed as the most probable targets due to their plethora of financial institutions, high local and tourist footfall, public transport and government buildings. Rural regions such as Idaho, Maine, Northern California, and Oregon, however, might be less likely to be targeted.