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[silversliver]

I visited a nuclear reactor this morning. They really do glow!

Also, I will be getting a sample of gamma-irradiated table salt, which is apparently colored, and when heated emits light and turns white again. The salt is not radioactive, just full of extra trapped electrons. Apparently it makes a great demo.

SO excited!

Comments

[mysterylodge]

Also, I will be getting a sample of gamma-irradiated table salt, which is apparently colored, and when heated emits light and turns white again. The salt is not radioactive, just full of extra trapped electrons.

That. Is. So totally baaaadass. Electrons jumping orbital resonances and emitting photons never fail to make me smile. :)

I just bought (in a Civil Defense Kit) a geiger counter for $40. I'm soo psyched!

::dismantles the smoke alarms::

[silversliver]

We received a little more than I expected; I may be able to share. Let me check with my labmate re: his interest in the samples.

[mysterylodge]

Awwwww. No worries - share it with the local geeks. I'm not sure shipping extra electrons all the way to Milwaukee would be worth the effort. We've got a lot of them here, but not bound up in salt in such a kinky manner! :P

Use it where it would inspire budding nuclear scientists. <3

Thanks for the offer, though. I'd make some (and I'm pretty sure I could rig up *something* to emit gamma radiation) but I kinda like my teeth, hair, and erm... vital signs. :P

[lefinq]

want

[silversliver]

We received a little more than I expected; I may be able to share. Let me check with my labmate re: his interest in the samples.

[silversliver]

I'm off the consumer product mailing lists (why does a pantiliner need wings anyway?!), but I am pretty sure I am on the really cool ones. Though I did have to visit the reactor and talk with the technician to get the samples. I think she saw how my face lit up when she mentioned that it changes colors.

Enough local people have expressed interest that I'm considering holding a "science night" at my house. ;)

[silversliver]

I can see it now: Dinner with Dr. Science!