1957--the year the US planned to fight a nuclear war with the Soviet Union--see Operation Dropshot, which formed a huge part of our defense and foreign policy for decades.
Also the year that Operation Plumbob set off 29 nuclear tests, many in the atmosphere (if you ever wondered why I'm a little bit _off_, keep this in mind).
Also the year the Rooskies sent up that Sputnik thingie. I was born half-past Sputnik and quarter-to Vanguard)
AND part of the IGY (International Geophysical Year) which lasted about a year and a half. Celebrated in song by Steely Dan's Don Fagen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sogYgHlNnqo
And, most importantly(to me)
--I was born.