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NACA Physicist Studying Alpha Rays

Description: (September 12, 1957) NACA Physicist studying Alpha Rays in a continuous cloud chamber. A cloud chamber is used by Lewis (now NASA Glenn Research Center) scientists to obtain information aimed at minimizing undesirable effects of radiation on nuclear-powered aircraft components. Here, alpha particles from a polonium source emit in a flower-like pattern at the cloud chamber's center. The particles are made visible by means of alcohol vapor diffusing from an area at room temperature to an area at minus –78° Centigrade. Nuclear-powered aircraft were never developed and aircraft nuclear propulsion systems were canceled in the early 1960's.

 

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Credit: NASA

Image Number: C1957-45925

Date: September 12, 1957

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Uploaded on September 12, 2023
Taken on September 12, 1957