Cassini mission

[Michael Burba <Michael.Burba@UC.Edu>]

The MSNBC "IMUS in the morning" program reported the Cassini rocket
launch went off without a hitch.  Mr. Gagnon, a protester, made
comments for about a minute, but they didn't get their "I told you
so" opportunity as the launch was successful.  Now they have to wait
until the fly-by and hope it burns up in the atmosphere to prove
their point.

On the subject of reaching the public, I had two opportunities to
discuss the Cassini probe and other issues of radiation use, such as,
food irradiation.  At a local township trustee political fundraiser
and at a lunch with university administrators.  At both functions I
interacted with at least eight individuals after they discovered I
worked in radiation safety.  One person said, jokingly of course, you
can see the green glow by our building.  Someone in each group asked
about that thing we are launching into space with the radioactivity. 

I use these occasions to discuss background radiation, its use in
medicine and its great potential for food irradiation.  These people
seem mystified by the whole subject and want information.  Hopefully,
these eight have a better understanding.  By the way, if I had said I
work as a Health Physicist, the conversation may have died unless
someone asked, What does a Health Physicist do?  They seemed
fascinated to talk about radiation with someone who works with it.