Get to Know Nuclear... National Nuclear Science Week Begings

What is nuclear science? What is the difference between fission and fusion? What is the human capital crisis in the nuclear field? These and many other questions will be answered and many great facts revealed as we celebrate National Nuclear Science Week January 24 -28, 2011.

The theme for the week is “Get to Know Nuclear” where the background of the atom and ideas to illustrate the central role of nuclear physics in the most fundamental aspects of our existence and the existence of the Cosmos will be discussed. The goal of the week is to advance education, stimulate participation and generate communication to provide learning, exploration and visibility for the achievements of the nuclear sciences. Each day will have a new theme and information about that area.  

With U.S. nuclear power plants producing 72% of the low carbon electric generation, it makes sense to recognize the contributions of nuclear power. Other technologies, such as nuclear medicine as way to gather information that may otherwise be unavailable, require surgery, or necessitate more expensive diagnostic tests, are also hugely important to all Americans. And of course there is safety. Nearly everything is radioactive, including you and me, the soil on which our houses rest, and most of the consumer goods we encounter daily. So how do we stay safe?

Check out the web site at  http://www.NuclearScienceWeek.org for a “celebration guide” that includes free tips and tools. There are also suggestions for activities each day of the week. Followers can also access news about the week through Twitter, Facebook, and a nuclear science week blogspot.