What is a nuclear explosion? Nuclear Explosion- When a nuclear plant has a meltdown and blows up

How did it happen? On April 25, 1986, operators at the Chernobyl plant began conducting unauthorized experiments. They deliberately bypassed safety systems in order to learn more about the plant's operation. Then, at 1:24 a.m. on April 26, one of the four reactors rapidly overheated and its water coolant "flashed" into steam. The hydrogen formed from the steam reacted with the graphite moderator, causing two major explosions and a fire. The core underwent a partial meltdown.

What effect did it have on people? Seventy percent of the radioactivity from Chernobyl landed in Belarus, affecting more than 3,600 towns and villages, and 2.5 million people. The radiation contaminated soil, which in turn contaminates crops that people rely on for food. Many regions in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine are likely to be contaminated for decades. Radioactivity carried by the wind was later found in sheep in the UK, on clothing worn by people throughout Europe, and in rain in the United States.

How is it being handled? Reactor No. 4, which was damaged in the 1986 explosion and fire, is still full of radioactive material kept inside a concrete barrier, called a sarcophagus, that is aging and needs to be replaced. Water leaking into the reactor carries radioactive material throughout the facility and threatens to be absorbed into the groundwater. The sarcophagus was designed to last about 30 years, and current designs would create a new shelter with a lifetime of 100 years.

How long will it be concealed? Radioactivity in the damaged reactor would need to be contained for 100,000 years to ensure safety. That is a challenge not only for today, but for many generations to come.

What is currently happening in the Chernobyl Facility? There was a large fire in the surroundings of the power station. For seven hours, a fire spread throughout an 18-mile exclusion zone around the plant. The cause is unclear but many suspect someone dropped a cigarette.

How can you help those affected by the Chernobyl Explosion? You can help by donating to Chernobyl Children International (CCI).