In movies, a #NuclearReactor is always shown with a shining electric blue haze & we all assume that it’s part of the special effects.
BUT, I've got news for you: It's actually called the Cherenkov Effect & as said by @DE_Nuclear:
Cherenkov Effect is Science, Not Science Fiction
The electric blue haze is a natural phenomenon known as the Cherenkov radiation or Cherenkov Effect.
Let's check out the science behind it👇
As you may already know, the Cherenkov effect can be seen near the reactor & used fuel pools at #NuclearPowerPlants.
The particles concerned by the effect (electrons and positrons) are very light, & they can reach very high speeds causing brief flashes of light. 🤯
And guess what?... It also has other great uses! 😱
1️⃣Detection of labeled biomolecules:
Radioactive atoms such as P-32 are introduced into biomolecules by enzymatic and synthetic means. Then it may be easily detected in small quantities to illuminate biological pathways.
2️⃣ Astrophysics experiments:
A high-energy photon or cosmic ray interacting with the 🌎’s atmosphere produces an electron-positron pair with enormous velocities.
The Cherenkov radiation emitted is used to determine the direction & energy of the ray used by MAGIC🔭👇
3️⃣Particle physics experiments:
Mainly used for particle identification. The velocity of an electrically charged particle can be measured by the #Cherenkov light it emits in a certain medium.
Check out the Ring Imaging Cherenkov Detector (RICH) 👇
& more recently:
4️⃣Medical imaging of radioisotopes & external beam radiotherapy:
#Cherenkov light has been used to image substances in the body. By using either internal sources such as injected radiopharmaceuticals or external beam radiotherapy in oncology.👩⚕️👨⚕️
As you can see, the shining electric blue light that is characteristic of a #NuclearReactor or the spent fuel pool, not only looks nice but also has many different uses. 💙
Do you know any other benefits of this effect?
Let me know! 👇
If you'd like to read more about the benefits mentioned before, I recommend the following articles: 👇
📖nuclear.duke-energy.com/2015/09/17/che…
📖ams02.space/detector/ring-…
📖sense-pro.org/portraits/expe…
And remember: Cherenkov Effect is Science, Not Science Fiction💙
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