Exhibition research display object 20: sticker- "Atomic Energy, No Thanks"

Probably the best-known and most widely used symbol of the anti-nuclear movement worldwide is this image of a smiling red sun on a yellow background, most often seen on stickers. The sun is framed by the words “NUCLEAR POWER? NO THANKS” and has been translated in over forty-five languages.

The idea for a logo under which the worldwide anti-nuclear activist movement could unite goes back to the Danish activist Anne Lund, who developed the symbol in 1975 with a Danish anti-nuclear organization. The idea of developing a “friendly” yet pointed logo was based on the idea of clarifying that activists were willing to have needed dialogs. Being open was a concern of activists through the heated nuclear debates of the 1970s. At the same time, it takes a clear political stance without repeating any familiar symbols from other protests, and thus could appeal to the masses. Thus, it served to blur political dividing lines, with the smiling sun affirming renewable energies. 

The red sun has a high recognition value, and exists in numerous variations. Individuals, organizations and environmental initiatives that feel part of the anti-nuclear movement feel that they can use the logo, a fact which has contributed to its widespread use.