Would you have known that building your own private nuclear reactor in your home could be against the law?
A 31-year old man in Sweden had no idea, but was at least in doubt, which is why he called local authorities to make sure. The man, whose name was withheld, constructed an apparently functional reactor in the kitchen of his apartment, kept track of radiation levels using his own Geiger counter, blogged about his project, and eventually inquired about possible legal issues.
The authorities had an issue with the project and arrested the nuclear enthusiast on the spot. According to media reports, he succeeded in building a functional reactor, but was far away from producing electricity, which would have required a turbine and generator. However, he did have access to nuclear materials, which he acquired "overseas" and by disassembling a fire alarm. His teenage dream of operating his own nuclear reactor became a reality for the expense of about $950.
He was released from jail when he promised not to build another reactor. His equipment was confiscated.
You can even make plutonium this way- as a couple of students about 5+ years back found when they produced it in a garden shed.
By the way- for all those who are wondering the metal in a smoke alarm (an ionization one) is called Americium-241.
It's radioactive, though there is a very small amount of it inside the detector. It's also quite 'safe' (unless it gets inside you) since it deacys via alpha radiation (paper stops it).
It's suitable for nuclear reactors, hence why it was used.
Remember- there are no secrets in science.
950$ is way cheaper that what they are charging to install solar panels here is So Cal. He should start his own DIY business..
Which basically means the guy was really, really far from making electricity, and his reactor was questionable. Obviously, he could not have made a bomb, so I find it rather disturbing the "authorities" would take his science project away from him. They probably did that because the "authorities" were clueless.
I agree. In Darwin's days, there was a lot of good science that went on in the homes of "ordinary" people. Darwin's lab was in his home. These days, though, with the extreme paranoia that exists, it is difficult for the scientifically inclined to get chemicals from legitimate sources since the assumption is that you are either a terrorist, or do not know sufficiently what you are doing so that even if you are not a terrorist, you are likely to blow up your neighborhood. Its a real PITA, and it almost certainly stifles creativity. I would really like to know when everyone will get over the shock of a few deranged people and let the truly creative types do what they do best - create!!
Its like if I found counterfeit money, but I just cannot tell if it's real or fake. Do I keep it and spend it, or do I confirm it in a bank/wherever if it is real or fake? This guy went to the authorities to confirm if he can keep it and not get into any further legal issues than what they would have done with him if they caught him. This situation is exactly like Phineas and Ferb (if you know the show).