Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Nuclear power station in Pripyat, Ukraine
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is a decommissioned atomic facility near the Pripyat River in northern Ukraine, consisting of four RBMK reactor units housed in massive concrete buildings. A large cooling reservoir sits between the reactor halls and the riverbank, surrounded by auxiliary structures and infrastructure spread across an industrial compound.
Construction started in 1970, and the first reactor began generating electricity in 1977, supplying a large share of Ukrainian power until April 1986. Following the accident that month, the remaining reactors were gradually shut down, with the final unit ceasing operations in 2000.
The site serves as a memorial where visitors learn about reactor safety through exhibitions and educational displays arranged inside former administrative buildings. Guided groups walk through areas where workers once operated the facility, creating a direct connection to the human dimension of industrial accidents.
Access is possible only through organized tours registered with authorities, following strict safety protocols and wearing appropriate clothing. Guides lead groups through approved zones outside the most restricted areas, with dosimetric checks conducted at several points during the visit.
Continuous radiological monitoring covers the entire site, while researchers document how radiation affects local wildlife and vegetation patterns in the surrounding zone. Automatic measurement stations track radiation levels at various distances from the damaged unit around the clock, creating detailed environmental data.
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