3 ms·

"The resulting blue glow — known as Cherenkov radiation — has accidentally and abruptly flashed at least 60 times since the dawn of the nuclear age," I'm not a

"The resulting blue glow — known as Cherenkov radiation — has accidentally and abruptly flashed at least 60 times since the dawn of the nuclear age," I'm not a physicist, but as far as I know the blue flash generated by a criticality is caused by gases in the air fluorescing. Cherenkov radiation is a different phenomena. Edit: Seems to be confirmed by [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticality_accident#Blue_glow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticality_accident#Blue_glow

arethuza 9y ago
"Cherenkov radiation could also be responsible for the "blue flash" experienced in an excursion due to the intersection of particles with the vitreous humour within the eyeballs of those in the presence of the criticality." That's a pretty alarming idea!!
- tjohns 9y ago
  It's actually a well known effect. Astronauts have reported seeing flashes of light when they close their eyes in space. It's believed to be caused by Cherenkov radiation from cosmic rays traveling through the vitreous humour of their eyes. Source: https://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v228/n5268/abs/228260a0.html https://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v228/n5268/abs/228260a... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12678106 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12678106