In a number of sources, we can read that in the 1950-1960s at the main Soviet exhibition it was possible to observe the work of this atomic reactor at close range. We checked whether it was really so.

As some report resources, in the second half of the 1950s, a pavilion dedicated to the peaceful atom was opened on the territory of VDNH (then-VSHV): “Visitors were shown measuring instruments, a collection of uranium ores, radiological protection products and layouts for thermonuclear studies. The central hall housed the current nuclear reactor in uranium-235 with a capacity of 100 kW. For clarity, the reactor was open, and visitors could observe Cherenkov’s effect - a characteristic blue glow in the water column, produced by a nuclear reaction. ” In addition to the media and social networks, you can also find out about this on "Yandex.Zen"And on"Picabu".

The most authoritative and professional source in the issue of nuclear facilities in the Russian Federation can be considered the Rosatom Corporation. In June 2020, in the midst of construction at the VDNH of the Pavilion, the Atom, dedicated to various applications of nuclear technologies, historical appeared on the official website of the state corporation reference: “In 1954, Pavilion No. 62 was built on the Lipovaya Alley (VSHV. - Ed.) Was called“ Building Materials ”(authors - architects G.I. Lutskiy and L.I. Lopovka, engineer S. G. Krivin). In 1956, it began to be called "Atomic energy for peaceful purposes", according to the name of the exposition organized as part of the All -Union Industrial Exhibition. Radiometric measuring instruments, a collection of uranium ores, radiological protection products, and layouts of installations for thermonuclear studies were demonstrated here. In November 1960, an exhibition "Application of radioactive isotopes for monitoring and automation of production processes" was organized in the pavilion. In 1961, the exhibition "Nuclear-Physical, Dosimetric and Radiometric equipment" was opened. At the time of operation of exhibitions in the pavilion, scientific lectures, seminars and consultations of specialists were organized. From 1956 to 1963, the main exhibit was located in the pavilion-the current nuclear reactor in uranium-235 with a capacity of 100 kW. Visitors to the pavilion could observe Cherenkov’s effect - a characteristic blue glow in the water column, produced by a nuclear reaction. Near the reactor there was an exposition section "Radiation Protection and Labor Safety". In those years, the "nuclear" pavilion became an obligatory part of excursion programs for foreign delegations. In 1959, the nuclear exposition expanded due to the area of the neighboring pavilion No. 61. And in 1964, the exposition of the two pavilions moved to the Pavilion No. 71 building, which was formerly formed by the Pavilion of the RSFSR. The reactor was dismantled during the move, and the Pavilion No. 62 received a new name - "Light Industry" (since 1967 - "Health Protection"). In the Pavilion No. 71, among the exhibits there were models of atomic reactors and nuclear installations that demonstrated the principles of operation of nuclear power plants and atomic icebreakers. In the latest history of VDNH, the Palace of State Services "My Documents" was located in Pavilion No. 71, and in Pavilion No. 62 - the International Ballet Center. "

As you can see, part of the description dedicated to the reactor almost literally repeats the texts that are common on the Internet. Yes, and official VDNH site reports: for "visitors to see the work of the reactor better, it was assembled without a protective casing." Judging by photographs, the reactor aroused great interest among visitors.

Moreover, on the Internet they are widespread and excerpt from the official Booksdedicated to the exhibition. From them we can find out that the necessary security measures were still observed. So, the layer of water mentioned above above the active zone of the reactor had a thickness of 4.6 m and served as protection against radiation. Due to the circulation and passage through the ion -income filter, the amount of radioactive nitrogen popping into the upper layers of water was very low. In addition, there were two rods that performed the functions of emergency protection. Finally, with the help of dosimetric devices equipped with a sound alarm, control over the level of radiation above the surface of the water was continuously fucked and air was analyzed in the reactor hall.

AND Briefly About the effect of Vavilov - Cherenkova. It is a glow caused in a transparent environment with a charged particle, moving at a speed exceeding the phase speed of the spread of light in this environment. In the case of a nuclear reactor described during the breakdown of uranium atoms, some particles flew at speeds exceeding the speed of light in water. This made it possible for visitors to the VSHV to observe a spectacular blue glow.

Thus, the statement made into the heading is true. Until 1963, the pavilion was not located a layout, but a completely valid nuclear reactor.