Dear Dr. Nucleus,

Please, explain Cherenkov radiation, that spacey blue glow in the water around fuel, in terms that I can use to explain it to the general nuclear power plant workers.

A Teacher

Dear Teacher,

First, let me say that it is a pleasure to hear from a teacher. Teachers, as you know, are the larval forms of Scientists. True, some never pupate and others are collected by rude boys with glass killing jars, pinned and labeled in rude-mentary displays. The fortunate few who do become Scientists never forget our early days grubbing for knowledge amongst the offal of the world. So keep on asking.

Now about the so-called "Cherenkov" radiation. This is another attempt of the unprincipled Russians, who pay their Scientists very little, to claim credit for an ancient discovery. The actual Greek term, "Charon-cough", was coined in 1600 BC (before chemistry) by Demosthenes. Literally, it comes to us from Charon (the boatman who ferries the dead across the river Styx ) and cough ( the polite sound one makes when trying to announce one's presence). Thus, it means "the polite sound made by the ferryman of death". This poetic license that Greek Scientists took in naming things reminds us all that Scientists have souls, as well. Today we use the term, Cherenkov radiation, to mean the same as the Greeks did. The blue glow that is associated with the radiation is simply your life flashing before your eyes (at the speed of light, of course) sort of like a poorly adjusted cathode ray tube.

Remember: a great Scientist is not afraid of radiation, and indeed, treats it like the friend it is. After all, "Radiation is just like sunlight, only you tan on the inside."

For a more scientific world, I remain,
Dr. Nucleus