Could instrumentation on Earth detect a large scale nuclear exchange in a nearby star system?

Say a star system in the local neighborhood (~15 light years away max) has a species that did not survive its own version of the cold war. The result is the usage of tens of thousands of nuclear weapons from plain old fission bombs all the way up to cobalt-salted multi-megaton thermonuclear devices. These weapons were deployed not only on the surface of the planet, but in the high atmosphere, low orbit, and points well beyond the planet.

Assuming a clear line of sight, would such an exchange be detectable here on Earth?

For the question assume the maximum total yield of any single weapon is no greater than the theoretical maximum yield of the Tzar Bomba (100 Mt). The Entire exchange took place over the course of one hour. Considerations for exotic weapons are just fine, but they need to be practical. A weapon that releases most of its energy in the form of neutrinos would not be an effective weapon for example.

Answers or links to resources that could help me find an answer are perfectly acceptable.

posted about 8 years ago

Joe Kissling‭

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