Radioactive generators powered Antarctic science
More than 45 small radioactive electricity generators were in Antarctica between 1961 and 2015, an investigation by Stuff has found.
The devices, called
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), powered remote automatic weather
and other scientific data collection efforts. Some moved through New Zealand
air and sea ports, especially in Christchurch.
The Antarctic RTGs
were powered by small amounts strontium 90, a radioactive isotope with a half
life of 28.8 years. They were typically shielded by depleted uranium to protect
human and other life from ionising radiation.
RTGs transformed heat
produced by radioactivity into small amounts of electricity, enough to power a
simple weather station for 10 years or more.
To read more please visit:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/104291748/radioactive-generators-powered-antarctic-science
Source: Stuff