Links
Some supplemental reading material. More about the past, than the present.
Reference Material
Radiation detector performance study (Japanese)
Excellent accuracy comparison between several kinds of detectors
GM tubes: 1, 3, 4, 5. PIN diode: 2. Scintillator: * (3, 4, 5 = SBM-20 tubes)
US EPA Approved Methods for Measuring Radiation in Water
Shows equipment, time, and processing needed for a particular isotope.
To summarize, it is difficult, and requires lab equipment.
Historical Photos
- Japan -
Hashima Island (端島, "軍艦島") photos
Coal mining island near Nagasaki, owned by Mitsubishi
Once had the highest population density in the world
Not nuclear-related, but I'm sure you can spot a few parallels
Memories for the Future panoramic photos (Japanese site - more comprehensive)
Comparison of before/after Google streetviews of Japan showing the extent of the destruction of the quake / tsunami
Very stunning how some regions are just... gone.
Natori, Miyagi Prefecture (before)
Natori, Miyagi Prefecture (after)
- US -
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site panoramic photos
This is a relatively modern site, and others similar to it are still in use today.
Well-preserved; tours offered by the National Parks Service.
Very amusing cold war wall art here, on the blast door and corridor.
Titan Missile Museum panoramic photos
The Titan's fuel could not be stored in the rocket, requiring a large support facility.
These were among the largest underground bases ever built.
The last well-preserved Titan site. Operated by the airmen once stationed there.
Titan I Tour photos / historical documents
Even larger than the above Titan II complex, there is not a single preserved site left
They look somewhat less appealing rusted and covered in asbestos
Excellent contrast with the preserved museum above
Hanford B Reactor panoramic photos
The first reactor dedicated to plutonium production.
An interesting juxtaposition of massive scale and primitive technology.
NS Savannah panoramic photos
First civilian nuclear powered ship, a demonstration for a new era that never came.
Ultimately it failed due to the cost of nuclear propulsion vs. diesel for its size.
- Russia / USSR -
Pripyat / Chernobyl photos
Pretty good set that hits most of the major landmarks
Note: Geiger counter is measuring 1.4 mR/h on the moss, not R/h as incorrectly captioned.
Kursk NPP photos [Ads at bottom NSFW]
Russian RBMK-1000 reactor, same model used at Chernobyl
All shiny and clean and still operating
Ironically, the last photo shows them training for the Fukushima scenario
Soviet Missile Silo (R-12U/R-14U) photos
Rough translations (by me, and I'm terrible at it)
Image 16: Do not light fire! Dangerous to life!
Image 21: Power Rack, On/Off
Image 30: Check performance of protective gear
Image 32: Before moving service platforms and silo hatch, contact the launch officer (not too sure about this one)
Image 33: When leaving the silo, close the elevators and doors
Image 34: Releases poison!
Image 39: Newspaper is Izvestia, not Pravda as incorrectly captioned
Headlines: "Every work hour- harvest!", "Clear rhythm", "Shock watch farmers" (whatever that is)
Image 40: Driver-taxied, to the firing line