goldendesign Posted November 15, 2013 Share #1 Posted November 15, 2013 The distinctive blue glow seen in the primary coolant water of nuclear reactors is called Cherenkov Radiation. What makes Cherenkov Radiation so much more interesting than mundane ordinary radiation is that it is the result of charged particles (alpha and beta radiation from the reactor) traveling faster than the speed of light within that medium (the water). These hyperluminal particles cause the water molecules to polarize when they fall quickly back to their ground state. This change in energy state produces photons we perceive as that distinctive blue glow. In many ways, it is like the sonic boom of light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopped Liver Posted November 15, 2013 Share #2 Posted November 15, 2013 It's pretty freaky to see in real life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Ungulate Posted November 15, 2013 Share #3 Posted November 15, 2013 I don't know what to do with this fact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldendesign Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #4 Posted November 15, 2013 I don't know what to do with this fact. Remember it and then at the most obscure moment, share it with someone. Hence, what I did here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Ungulate Posted November 15, 2013 Share #5 Posted November 15, 2013 Remember it and then at the most obscure moment, share it with someone. Hence, what I did here. Next time I see a blue cocktail, I will do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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