What better way to add the element of danger to your vacations than visiting radioactive places? It was not so long ago when radiation seemed like a science fiction concern but now, it has become the modern boogeyman that eats at your health until nothing remains. This all sounds unnerving but it is perhaps a bit less terrifying to know that for it to be potentially fatal, you would need to be exposed to much more than what you get from brief visits. Having said all this, it would still seem risky to go to these dangerous places. After all, they’re still radioactive but now, it’s becoming a trend to visit these disaster sites.
1. Nevada Test Site, USA
Originally the country’s only nuclear weapons testing area, this radioactive test site is open to public tours today. The 3,500 square kilometer testing area sits 65 miles north of Las Vegas and was constructed by the Atomic Energy Commission to observe the various effects of radiation on artificial structures and the environment. Mushroom clouds from the tests could be seen even at a distance of 100 miles away and this has led to a surge in tourism.
2. Hiroshima, Japan
During the second world war, the United States dropped a 5-ton atomic bomb known as the “Little Boy” on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. A few days later, the United States dropped another atomic bomb on Nagasaki. This makes Hiroshima the first city to be devastated by a nuclear weapon. The bombings over these two cities collectively claimed an estimated 129,000 to 226,000 lives and were the only instances in history where nuclear weapons were used in armed conflict.
The Genbaku dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial today, is the only surviving structure near the hypocenter of the bomb and it is where tourists can learn about the devastating effects of the bomb and nuclear weapons. It stands as a stark reminder of the degree of cruelty humans can inflict on their own kind.
3. Chernobyl, Ukraine
This is probably the most familiar entry on this list and for good reason. Chernobyl was the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history on April 26, 1986 when a nuclear reactor exploded primarily due to human error. This explosion released 400 times more radioactive fallout than the Little Boy, the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. Decades later, nature has seemingly reclaimed the city. The radiation in Chernobyl can be lethal especially when exposed to a sufficiently high enough dose. Experts say it may be 20,000 years before Chernobyl would be radiation-free again.
However, the Ukrainian government has allowed tourism in the area, deeming visits safe as long as the tours were strictly regulated. Upon visiting, tourists would be able to see where it all went wrong and even mutant animals. The town will look frozen in time, and as if the entire town was evacuated overnight.
4. Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine, Australia
The Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine is an abandoned uranium mine located 5 kilometers away from Mary Kathleen, a mining settlement that is now a ghost town. Within the mine is a lake that became radioactive because of the water seepage that flowed in. While it may be radioactive, officials have declared it safe for visit as the radiation levels are not dangerously high like that of a nuclear power reactor. Still, it would not be good news for you if you somehow fell into the blue lake.
Be that as it may, it can all be worth it as this place has one of the most picturesque views in the region. The once green water in the lake turned a brilliant blue because of the mines and salts from the weathered rocks surrounding the lake. So the next time you find yourself in northwestern Queensland, it might be worth a short visit and a few pictures.
5. Bikini Atoll (Pikinni Atoll), Marshall Islands
Pikinni Atoll, or more commonly known by its anglicized form Bikini Atoll, is a nuclear testing site in the Marshall islands. It is a coral reef composed of 23 islands and is located at the northern end of the Ralik Chain. After the inhabitants were relocated in 1946, the United States conducted 23 nuclear tests on the lagoon and the islands, the last of which was in 1958. Eventually, the inhabitants were able to resettle on the island in 1970. However, in 1971, scientists found the well water hazardous for drinking and also detected high levels of a radioactive isotope in the inhabitants’ bodies so they were finally evacuated in 1980 leaving the island uninhabited save for a few caretakers.
Unfortunately, tourism was only open until 2008 but some groups are still allowed to dive as long as they acquire the necessary permits and make special arrangements with Bikini Atoll divers. Sunken warships can be seen underwater by scuba diving. Finally, it is not known to most people but the television show Spongebob Squarepants is set in Bikini Atoll, hence the name of the fictional city of Bikini Bottom.
6. Paralana Radioactive Springs, Australia
Up for a bit of a trek back in prehistory? The Paralana radioactive hot springs is located in the Arkaroola Wildlife Sanctuary, South Australia. This hot springs is certainly one of the most interesting ones out there as it is unique in that it is the only radioactive hot springs in Australia. It is often referred to as an amazing living example of what it would have been like for the emergence of the first lifeforms on Earth.
The water glows a greenish hue due to algal mats, an extremophile that can thrive at a hostile 62 degrees centigrade. The place used to be a popular radioactive thermal bath that tourists would flock to for a rejuvenating spa day but the further studies deemed the bath as a health hazard due to the presence of radon gas. Now, it is just popular as a place for pictures and for curiosity.
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