A New York Times Best Book of the Year A Time Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of the Year 2020 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence Winner One of NPR’s Best Books of 2019 Journalist Adam Higginbotham’s definitive, years-in-the-making account of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster—and a powerful investigation into how propaganda, secrecy, and myth have obscured the true story of one of the twentieth century’s greatest disasters.Early in the morning of April 26, 1986, Reactor Number Four of the Chernobyl Atomic Energy Station exploded, triggering history’s worst nuclear disaster. In the thirty years since then, Chernobyl has become lodged in the collective nightmares of the world: shorthand for the spectral horrors of radiation poisoning, for a dangerous technology slipping its leash, for ecological fragility, and for what can happen when a dishonest and careless state endangers its citizens and the entire world. But the real story of the accident, clouded from the beginning by secrecy, propaganda, and misinformation, has long remained in dispute. Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews conducted over the course of more than ten years, as well as letters, unpublished memoirs, and documents from recently-declassified archives, Adam Higginbotham has written a harrowing and compelling narrative which brings the disaster to life through the eyes of the men and women who witnessed it firsthand. The result is a masterful nonfiction thriller, and the definitive account of an event that changed history: a story that is more complex, more human, and more terrifying than the Soviet myth. Midnight in Chernobyl is an indelible portrait of one of the great disasters of the twentieth century, of human resilience and ingenuity, and the lessons learned when mankind seeks to bend the natural world to his will—lessons which, in the face of climate change and other threats, remain not just vital but necessary. Read more

The little-known true story of a mysterious nuclear reactor disaster—years before Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, or Fukushima.   Before the Three Mile Island incident or the Chernobyl disaster, the world’s first nuclear reactor meltdown to claim lives happened on US soil. Chronicled here for the first time is the strange tale of SL-1, an experimental military reactor located in Idaho’s Lost River Desert that exploded on the night of January 3, 1961, killing the three crewmembers on duty.   Through exclusive interviews with the victims’ families and friends, firsthand accounts from rescue workers and nuclear industry insiders, and extensive research into official documents, journalist William McKeown probes the many questions surrounding this devastating blast that have gone unanswered for decades.   From reports of faulty design and mismanagement to incompetent personnel and even rumors of sabotage after a failed love affair, these plausible explanations raise startling new questions about whether the truth was deliberately suppressed to protect the nuclear energy industry. Read more

Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature and Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award A journalist by trade, who now suffers from an immune deficiency developed while researching this book, presents personal accounts of what happened to the people of Belarus after the nuclear reactor accident in 1986, and the fear, anger, and uncertainty that they still live with. The Nobel Prize in Literature 2015 was awarded to Svetlana Alexievich "for her polyphonic writings, a monument to suffering and courage in our time." Read more

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Winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize 2018'An insightful and important book, that often reads like a good thriller, and that exposes the danger of mixing powerful technology with irresponsible politics' - Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens'As moving as it is painstakingly researched. . . a cracking read' - Viv Groskop, ObserverThe gripping story of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, from an acclaimed historian and writerOn the morning of 26 April 1986 Europe witnessed the worst nuclear disaster in history: the explosion of a reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Soviet Ukraine. The outburst put the world on the brink of nuclear annihilation. In the end, less than five percent of the reactor's fuel escaped, but that was enough to contaminate over half of Europe with radioactive fallout. In Chernobyl, Serhii Plokhy recreates these events in all of their drama, telling the stories of the firefighters, scientists, engineers, workers, soldiers, and policemen who found themselves caught in a nuclear Armageddon and succeeded in doing the seemingly impossible: extinguishing the nuclear inferno and putting the reactor to sleep. While it is clear that the immediate cause of the accident was a turbine test gone wrong, Plokhy shows how the deeper roots of Chernobyl lay in the nature of the Soviet political system and the flaws of its nuclear industry. A little more than five years later, the Soviet Union would fall apart, destroyed from within by its unsustainable communist ideology and the dysfunctional managerial and economic systems laid bare in the wake of the disaster.A poignant, fast paced account of the drama of heroes, perpetrators, and victims, Chernobyl is the definitive history of the world's worst nuclear disaster. Read more

A chilling account of more than half a century of nuclear catastrophes, by the author of the “definitive” (Economist) Cold War history, Nuclear Folly.Almost 145,000 Americans fled their homes in and around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in late March 1979, hoping to save themselves from an invisible enemy: radiation. The reactor at the nearby Three Mile Island nuclear power plant had gone into partial meltdown, and scientists feared an explosion that could spread radiation throughout the eastern United States. Thankfully, the explosion never took place—but the accident left deep scars in the American psyche, all but ending the nation’s love affair with nuclear power.In Atoms and Ashes, Serhii Plokhy recounts the dramatic history of Three Mile Island and five more accidents that that have dogged the nuclear industry in its military and civil incarnations: the disastrous fallout caused by the testing of the hydrogen bomb in the Bikini Atoll in 1954; the Kyshtym nuclear disaster in the USSR, which polluted a good part of the Urals; the Windscale fire, the worst nuclear accident in the UK’s history; back to the USSR with Chernobyl, the result of a flawed reactor design leading to the exodus of 350,000 people; and, most recently, Fukushima in Japan, triggered by an earthquake and a tsunami, a disaster on a par with Chernobyl and whose clean-up will not take place in our lifetime.Through the stories of these six terrifying incidents, Plokhy explores the risks of nuclear power, both for military and peaceful purposes, while offering a vivid account of how individuals and governments make decisions under extraordinary circumstances. Today, there are 440 nuclear reactors operating throughout the world, with nuclear power providing 10 percent of global electricity. Yet as the world seeks to reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change, the question arises: Just how safe is nuclear energy? Read more

A Chernobyl survivor and the New York Times bestselling author of The Gates of Europe "mercilessly chronicles the absurdities of the Soviet system" in this "vividly empathetic" account of the worst nuclear accident in history (Wall Street Journal). On the morning of April 26, 1986, Europe witnessed the worst nuclear disaster in history: the explosion of a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Soviet Ukraine. Dozens died of radiation poisoning, fallout contaminated half the continent, and thousands fell ill. In Chernobyl, Serhii Plokhy draws on new sources to tell the dramatic stories of the firefighters, scientists, and soldiers who heroically extinguished the nuclear inferno. He lays bare the flaws of the Soviet nuclear industry, tracing the disaster to the authoritarian character of the Communist party rule, the regime's control over scientific information, and its emphasis on economic development over all else. Today, the risk of another Chernobyl looms in the mismanagement of nuclear power in the developing world. A moving and definitive account, Chernobyl is also an urgent call to action. Read more

Discover the dark history of the Chernobyl Disaster...Free BONUS Inside!The Chernobyl Disaster, which occurred in late April 1986, was the worst nuclear accident in history. It not only caused widespread radioactive contamination, but even more importantly, it claimed many lives and caused panic worldwide about the safety of nuclear power. In short, it changed the face of nuclear energy globally.Discover the real story of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the infamous disaster that bears its name, as well as its long aftermath.Discover a plethora of topics such asBackground of the Chernobyl DisasterApril 25-26: The Failed Safety TestApril 26-27: The Crisis UnfoldsClean Up and RemediationThe World RespondsInvestigations into the Chernobyl DisasterAnd much more!So if you want a concise and informative book on the Chernobyl Disaster, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access! Read more

“A gripping, suspenseful page-turner” (Kirkus Reviews) with a “fast-paced, detailed narrative that moves like a thriller” (International Business Times), Fukushima teams two leading experts from the Union of Concerned Scientists, David Lochbaum and Edwin Lyman, with award-winning journalist Susan Q. Stranahan to give us the first definitive account of the 2011 disaster that led to the worst nuclear catastrophe since Chernobyl.Four years have passed since the day the world watched in horror as an earthquake large enough to shift the Earth's axis by several inches sent a massive tsunami toward the Japanese coast and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, causing the reactors' safety systems to fail and explosions to reduce concrete and steel buildings to rubble. Even as the consequences of the 2011 disaster continue to exact their terrible price on the people of Japan and on the world, Fukushima addresses the grim questions at the heart of the nuclear debate: could a similar catastrophe happen again, and—most important of all—how can such a crisis be averted? Read more

Unlock the world of nuclear engineering with this comprehensive guide that fuses theoretical knowledge with practical Python implementations. Delve into the essential equations and models that underpin the nuclear industry, and discover how to apply them effectively with step-by-step coding examples. Whether you're a student, a professional engineer, or an enthusiast, this book offers a treasure trove of insights to advance your understanding and capabilities in the nuclear field.Key Features:Comprehensive Coverage: Spans the entire spectrum of nuclear engineering topics, from foundational theories to advanced reactor designs.Hands-On Learning: Each chapter integrates Python code to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications.Expert Insights: Authored by seasoned professionals and academics, ensuring you receive practical and up-to-date knowledge.Practical Application: Code examples demonstrate how to implement complex nuclear models and calculations.Resource for Professionals and Students: Ideal for both new learners and industry veterans seeking to enhance their technical skills.What You Will Learn:Deepen your understanding of Fick's Law and its applications in nuclear materials.Master Fourier's principles for effective heat transfer in nuclear systems.Analyze neutron behavior and distribution with the Neutron Transport Equation.Grasp the intricacies of reactor power changes via the Point Kinetics Model.Harness the power of the Neutron Diffusion Equation for reactor core analysis.Explore reactivity variances through detailed Coefficient Equations.Utilize the Bateman Equations for isotope decay chain calculations.Investigate reactor dynamics with the Inhour Equation.Understand Doppler Broadening effects in neutron cross-sections.Calculate the delayed neutron fraction crucial for reactor control.Solve Eigenvalue problems for assessing reactor criticality.Break down the Six-Factor Formula to analyze reactor multiplication.Conduct thorough Burnup Calculations for fuel management.Implement Monte Carlo Simulation for neutron transport analysis.Navigate Turbulent Flow Equations for fluid dynamics in reactors.Evaluate Boron Dilution Models in PWR systems.Apply the Navier-Stokes Equations in nuclear coolant dynamics.Calculate heat generation within reactor fuel efficiently.Explore neutron scattering angles for comprehensive analyses.Measure Diffusion Length and Mean Free Path for neutron behavior insights.Discern the Two-Group Model for flux and reaction rate calculations.Deploy economic modeling for Fuel Cycle Economics.Perform Lattice Physics Calculations for fuel assembly analysis.Assess Pressurized Thermal Shock impacts on reactor vessels.Forecast Decay Heat Generation post-shutdown.Model Gamma Ray Attenuation for material shielding.Design effective Radiation Shielding with accurate calculations.Determine neutron Subcritical Multiplication in reactors.Interpret Cross-Section Data for precise nuclear analyses.Quantify Material Irradiation Damage in high-flux environments.Dive into Gas-Cooled Reactor Dynamics for unique thermal-neutron interplay. Read more

"Nuclear Horizons: A Comprehensive Guide to SMR and LFTR Reactor Technology" delves into an exploration and comparison of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor (LFTR) technologies, focusing on efficiency, safety, sustainability, and economics.This book covers key topics such as technological comparisons, fuel types, safety, economics, sustainability, and the political and legal aspects related to SMR and LFTR technologies. It includes the historical background, origins, and developers of these technologies.Targeted at professionals in the energy sector, decision-makers, investors, students, or general enthusiasts keen on nuclear energy and technology, the aim is for readers to gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges posed by SMR and LFTR technologies. Read more

Ni los operadores nucleares son como Homer Simpson, ni en España se puede producir una catástrofe como la de Chernóbil, ni hoy en día podemos prescindir de la energía nuclear sin aumentar las emisiones de dióxido de carbono y la contaminación atmosférica. Así que si queremos seguir conectando los patinetes, los smartphones y los coches a la red eléctrica es importante que empecemos a ver esas denostadas centrales nucleares con otros ojos.Alfredo García, alias Operador Nuclear, nos sumerge en el fascinante mundo de la energía nuclear tratando de resolver las grandes cuestiones que la rodean y respondiendo a todos los mantras que siempre se repiten (las centrales caducan a los cuarenta años; el uranio se está agotando; una reactor puede explotar; o la industria nuclear es opaca). El resultado es un libro entretenido, didáctico, esclarecedor y sorprendente con una conclusión clara: todavía no se ha descubierto una manera más limpia y eficiente de producir energía eléctrica de forma independiente de los fenómenos meteorológicos. Read more

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“Jack Spencer tells it the way it is and needs to be to make nuclear energy an affordable choice for America. Read this thoughtful and provocative book written by one of America’s great conservative thinkers.” — William Martin, Former Deputy Energy Secretary; Chair, Nuclear Energy Advisory CommitteeSkyrocketing energy prices are placing downward pressure on economic growth throughout the world. There seems to be no relief in sight, with hundreds of millions without access to reliable energy and with global energy consumption expected to grow by 50 percent over the next 30 years. Some would impose energy rationing―or in other words, slow human progress. But with nearly 46 percent of the world’s population living on less than $5.50 per day, slowing human progress is unacceptable. The only solution is more energy and lots of it.Jack Spencer, in his upcoming book, Nuclear Revolution: Powering the Next Generation, argues that nuclear energy offers real answers to power our homes and industries, clean our air and water, and maybe even take us to Mars. However, we have been getting nuclear power wrong for decades.Skeptics say that nuclear energy is too expensive and threatens the world with the proliferation of nuclear weapons material and radioactive waste. Proponents say that nuclear power needs and deserves the support of the state and the taxpayer, cradle to grave. The time has come, Spencer argues, to think big nuclear energy and pull it out of the time capsule that pop culture, environmental activists, lobbyists, peaceniks, and policymakers are all too content to leave nuclear in.Spencer writes that while the government-industry partnership that defined the early years of America’s commercial nuclear rise was essential to the nation’s security, reluctance to modernize that relationship has prevented the American nuclear industry from reaching its full potential. In its place, Spencer offers an alternative that shatters how we think about nuclear energy policy and realigns the responsibilities of government and industry with the incentives that will drive America to success.Nuclear Revolution describes why government intervention in the nuclear industry is a problem, how to move from the status quo to something new, and why such reforms will kick off an era of nuclear entrepreneurship and innovation. Over 70 years ago, nuclear energy entered the scene with great promise. Now more than ever, the world needs that promise delivered, and America can lead the way. Read more

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Step into the fascinating world of atoms, energy, and scientific discovery with Nuclear Science for Young Minds!This book is an engaging, easy-to-understand introduction to the amazing world of nuclear energy, written especially for kids aged 10 to 15. Whether your child dreams of being a scientist, an engineer, or simply wants to know how the world works, this book will spark curiosity and light the path to discovery.Through friendly explanations, real-world examples, and simplified science, this book answers big questions like:What is nuclear energy and how does it work?How are atoms used to produce electricity?Is nuclear power safe for people and the planet?How is nuclear energy shaping our future?🧠 Inside the book, young readers will explore:✅ The basics of atomic structure and nuclear reactions✅ Fascinating stories of scientists and pioneers✅ How nuclear plants generate electricity safely✅ Nuclear energy’s role in India and across the world✅ Exciting innovations; even in space!Perfect for classroom reading, science fairs, or independent exploration, this book makes nuclear science exciting, approachable, and meaningful.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young reader; this is your launchpad into the fascinating future of clean energy and atomic innovation. Read more

Earth Is a Nuclear Planet is a book on nuclear energy unlike any other. It makes the reader feel like a genius by clearly explaining all the relevant basic science in a fun and entertaining way.Faced by the looming catastrophe of devastating climate change, more and more environmentalists and climate scientists are turning to nuclear power as the cleanest, safest, and ultimately least costly technology for generating the electricity we all need. But there are many myths and conceptions about nuclear energy, irresponsibly hyped by the sensational media, which require to be understood, debunked, and cleared away.Earth Is a Nuclear Planet goes through all these myths and misconceptions, carefully noting all the fallacies and misunderstandings which plague discussion of the energy options confronting humankind.Mike Conley and Tim Maloney, two superbly talented popular writers, have spent years questioning a select panel of leading scientists to arrive at a fresh and luminous understanding of the issues surrounding nuclear power. All their factual claims are documented with abundant citations, which some readers will readily skip while others will follow them up. Every scientific claim made in the book has been checked and rechecked a dozen times by fully accredited experts.On the issue of nuclear safety, Conley and Maloney pay special attention to the notorious accidents, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, identifying the misconceptions which prevail, and spotlighting many surprising facts along the way.“Fears of nuclear energy are often completely backward. For example, should a person be more afraid of a radioactive material with a long half-life or a short half-life? Anti-nuclear propaganda encourages more fear of the long half-life material. “It’s going to be radioactive for a million years!” Actually, something that will continue to be radioactive for a long time means it isn’t very radioactive right now. All other things being equal (size of sample, type of radiation) material with a short half-life is more dangerous.“I have always known the half-life example of mistaken fear, but I was amazed to see how many examples the authors of Earth Is a Nuclear Planet found. Writing this book must have been an amazing research project. It has 60 pages of endnotes plus 30 pages of supplements. The supplements are more detailed explanations of things like calculations of mining wastes. By relegating some of the heavy-duty material to a separate section, the authors made the main part of the book very readable.“For example, the book has several chapters on the Linear No Threshold (LNT) theory: the title of one chapter is ‘No Safe Dose of BS’. LNT claims that there is ‘no safe dose’ of radiation. Since life on Earth includes background radiation, I guess we are all going to die. Wait, . . . wait, . . . we ARE all going to die! But not of the effects of radiation.“The authors explain that BS in the chapter title means Bad Science. (Of course, it does. Why didn’t I notice that?) For me, reading this book was enjoyable as well as informative.“We live on a planet with a great deal of natural radioactivity. There are also many ways in which radioactive material can be used for human health and happiness. This comprehensive book is a guide to our nuclear planet and our nuclear future. Please read it!”—Meredith Angwin, author of Shorting the Grid Read more

What Would You Do If a Nuclear Blast Hit Tomorrow—and Everything You Knew Was Wrong?In a world of rising nuclear tensions, After the Flash delivers a science-based roadmap to protect your loved ones with confidence when every second counts. Written by Mark A. Rush—a U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarine veteran, licensed Senior Reactor Operator, and former nuclear power plant engineer—this guide shatters outdated Cold War scenarios and Hollywood folklore, offering practical and affordable strategies for today’s nuclear realities.Discover how the nuclear landscape has changed: under the New START Treaty, Russia’s strategic warheads are down 85% from Soviet-era highs, and fallout is now just 2% of Cold War expectations. What once seemed unattainable—a comprehensive survival plan—is now realistically affordable, thanks to a much smaller nuclear threat. Survival is more achievable than ever—but only with the right knowledge to protect your loved ones.What You’ll Learn:Facts Over Hype: Cut through media myths with clear facts on detonation effects, fallout, and radiation—no "green glow" nonsense.Personalized Planning: Use online tools to map local risks and create tailored survival plans for your home, workplace, or community.Critical First 48 Hours: Know when to shelter, when to evacuate, and how to build fallout shielding in your home with everyday materials.Long-Term Survival: Secure food, water, and power to rebuild and thrive, even after infrastructure collapse.Why This Book Stands Out: Real Expertise: Backed by Rush’s decades in nuclear systems and two years of meticulous research.Modern Relevance: Addresses today’s smaller arsenals and precision strikes—unlike outdated Cold War manuals.Action-Ready: Packed with checklists and step-by-step guidance.Preview It Now:Explore a generous sample on your browser or Kindle app (not the Amazon shopping app). See how Rush’s fresh insights redefine nuclear preparedness—this isn’t recycled survival fluff; it’s a game-changer.Available Now—Prepare Today, Survive Tomorrow!J5-1.1.0 Read more

In "The Age of Nuclear Exuberance," nuclear industry veteran Duane Olcsvary explores the transformative potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—compact, innovative powerhouses poised to redefine nuclear energy. Drawing on over four decades of experience, Olcsvary unpacks the promise and pitfalls of SMRs, from their safety and scalability to the economic and regulatory hurdles that could make or break their future. This isn’t just a technical deep dive; it’s a candid guide for investors, policymakers, and curious minds eager to understand the next wave of clean energy. With billions fueling nearly a hundred SMR designs worldwide, Olcsvary spotlights key players, tracks their progress, and confronts the risks—cost overruns, delays, and past nuclear stumbles—that loom large. Yet, he sees a bold possibility: a nuclear renaissance where SMRs deliver reliable, carbon-free power to a world in need. Packed with insider insights, real-world examples, and a dash of optimism, this eBook cuts through the hype to ask the tough questions: Can SMRs deliver on their promise? Are we ready to embrace their potential? Perfect for anyone invested in energy’s future—literally or figuratively—this is your roadmap to the edge of nuclear innovation. Read more

Seventh volume of the series "Tech unlocked for everybody" targeting students, technology enthusiasts, and experts in other fields who wish to quickly explore a wide range of current topics. While maintaining rigorous content, it avoids theoretical complications to enable reading by anyone with a minimum high school education level. The series covers all technologies operating in the world today, from electronics to computing, from motorization to medicine, from energy to climate change. The author has experience both as an industry practitioner and as a writer of books and articles since his university days. Read more