MythBusters Season 3 Episode 23 Chinese Invasion Alarm
- TVPG
- October 19, 2005
- 43 min
-
7.3 (135)
The Chinese Invasion Alarm is the twenty-third episode of season three of the popular science-based television series, MythBusters. In this episode, the team explores one of the most bizarre urban myths surrounding a supposed secret military plan designed by the US government during the Cold War era.
Many believe that during the early 1950s, the US government built civil defense sirens that would sound an alarm in case of an invasion from China or any other foreign power. The alarm was supposed to warn the public of the impending attack and give them enough time to prepare or seek shelter. This alarm supposedly had a unique and distinct tone that could be easily recognized by the population.
The MythBusters team decided to investigate the authenticity of this myth by building their own version of the Chinese invasion alarm. They started off by researching the history of the supposed sirens and tried to find any credible evidence or documentation to support the claim. However, they soon realized that there were no records or blueprint of such an alarm, and the myth was solely based on hearsay and urban legends.
Undeterred, the team decided to build their own version of the Chinese invasion alarm based on the general description of the myth. They used an old air-raid siren as the base component and added a noise-canceling microphone that could detect specific frequencies. They then tried to recreate the sound that was supposedly associated with the Chinese invasion alarm. They also tested whether this sound would be recognizable to the public and would initiate the necessary response.
The team conducted a field test in a public park and secretly activated the Chinese invasion alarm to see how people would react. They filmed the entire experiment and analyzed the footage to determine the effectiveness of the alarm. They also asked the participants about their reaction and whether they recognized the sound of the alarm. The results of the field test were surprising and shed new light on the credibility of the myth.
Apart from the Chinese invasion alarm, the team also explored some other strange and wacky urban myths related to civil defense systems. They tried to find out if there was any truth behind the underground tunnels and bunkers used during the Cold War era to protect the government officials and VIPs. They also tested whether a particular type of chemical could be used to detect hidden bodies in a disaster zone.
The Chinese Invasion Alarm episode of MythBusters is an entertaining and engaging exploration of some of the most bizarre and fascinating myths surrounding the Cold War-era civil defense systems. The show is a perfect blend of science, history, and pop culture, and is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a history buff, a science geek, or just enjoy good old-fashioned urban legends, this episode is a must-watch for all MythBusters fans out there.