Info on Prypiat, Ukraine?

Question

Prypiat, located near Chernobyl was abandoned after the Chernobyl nuclear accident. I just got a fantastic idea that it would be cool if i visited this place in the future. I just want a few details:

1. How much radioactivity is left in Prypiat? Is it possible to go without having the body absorb radioactive material?

2. Do they have any ghost stories about prypiat?

3. Would it be even possible to get into Prypiat? (Legal issues, radioactive contamination)

4. Over here is a video of Pryipat:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-8TU1xL8EAg&mode=related&search=. If it isn't possible to go into Prypiat, how did they make this video?

5. I just read that there are places with high radioactivity, while there are places with low. How would you tell this (with a gauss meter)? If the gauss meter read high, wouldn't you already be absorbing the radioactive material?

Note: I got this idea from a really amazing picture I saw. If possible, can some1 find me a few other pics? THANKS!!!

Answer 1

Here are the general rules concerning a visit to Pripyat:

http://forum.pripyat.com/announcement.ph...

To answer your specific questions:

1. The radiation levels vary, depending on where you are. It is estimated that the radiation exposure you get in 1 day at Pripyat is equivalent to the background radiation you would recieve walking in downtown Paris for 2 days.

2. Not that I am aware of.

3. Yes, but you have to have a "license" to enter. The only real way of getting in is via a tour company which has a license.  There are many companies, if you search the web. Here are a couple:

http://nucleartour.com/default.aspx

http://www.tourchernobyl.com/

I have used the "Solo East" tour.

4. See #3

5. The tour company is required by their license to carry a Geiger Counter. There are general guidelines you must follow as well, such as:

a) Stay on the pavement - radiation stays in soil

b) do not touch the moss

c) only go where the tour guide allows

6. Only by tours. The "zone" is controlled and you need to have a government permit to enter.

7. See above

Following are some more links for your information:

http://www.epa.gov/radiation/rert/cherno...

http://pripyat.com/en/city/

http://www.chernobylee.com/blog/2008/01/...