Nuclear reactors have always been associated in the minds of many with risks and disasters, especially after famous accidents such as the Chernobyl disaster or the Fukushima Daiichi accident, but apart from the political controversy and environmental concerns, there is a visual sight that arouses curiosity inside these facilities, which is a magical blue glow that resembles light coming from another world… so what is its reality?
This glow is not a sign of immediate danger, but rather a scientific phenomenon known as Cherenkov radiation, named after the Soviet physicist Pavel Cherenkov, who won the Nobel Prize in 1958 with his colleagues in recognition of his discovery and explanation of this phenomenon.
What is the secret of the light of nuclear reactors?
Simply put, Cherenkov radiation occurs when electrically charged particles, such as electrons, move through a material medium such as water at a speed faster than the speed of light within that medium (not in a vacuum).
It is known that nothing exceeds the speed of light in a vacuum, but light slows down when it passes through water or glass, and when particles exceed this reduced speed, something similar to an optical shock wave arises, just as a sonic boom occurs when airplanes break the sound barrier. The result: a distinctive blue flash that resembles underwater lightning, according to SlashGear.
In the United States, most power plants rely on light water reactors, where water is used to cool nuclear fuel rods and regulate the chain reaction. This water not only cools, but also creates the ideal conditions for the blue glow to appear, as it allows particles to pass through it at a speed higher than the speed of light.
The phenomenon is not limited to reactors only. At research facilities such as CERN, specifically within the Large Hadron Collider, enormous particle velocities are used that may produce the same effect. Scientists take advantage of this light to study the properties of particles and their paths with high precision.
What is the benefit of Cherenkov radiation?
The blue glow inside nuclear reactors is not just a stunning visual sight, it is living proof of the laws of physics that control the microscopic world of particles.
Cherenkov radiation allows scientists to precisely study the motion, speed, and properties of particles, enhancing our understanding of nuclear energy and its applications.
While the blue color arouses curiosity and amazement, Cherenkov radiation remains an important tool for scientists, as it allows monitoring the movement and speed of charged particles inside water, which provides accurate data to understand nuclear reactions and how energy is generated, and helps improve the design of reactors and enhance their safety and efficiency.
