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Probus trip to Lucas Heights. August 2010
Do you dislike the idea of nuclear power? Are you afraid of another Chenobyl disaster?
The Saratoga Probus Group and joined by West Gosford Probus recently visited the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSCO) at Lucas Heights - Nobody emerged afterwards mutated into a Martian. In fact, we all were most impressed by the safety and security all around us. ANSCO does not make nuclear energy, nor bombs, but is the home of Australian nuclear science expertise. This unique expertise is applied to radiopharmaceutical production and research, climate change research, water resource management, materials engineering and a range of other research disciplines. They are the world's leaders in their field, and often do research for other countries.
We started with a very interesting and informative talk, and were shown the radio-activity all around us, (including us!). A Geiger counter measured it on various objects and minerals, and we had an audio-visual display on neutrons and atoms. Afterwards we were guided round the site by informed guides and saw the big OPAL reactor, and saw it working on a TV screen, blue in colour. We were told that the blue means it is working reactively.
Not only did we have a scrumptious morning tea on the way but also included in the fare was a lovely hot lunch in the site restaurant.
A very interesting, and perhaps myth-dispelling day out.
Another excellent Scenic Horizons tours trip.
Neutron diffraction pattern created by Koala instrument
Photo courtesy of ANSTO.