Low-Flying Helicopter Over Buckhead Measuring Background Radiation
Image via DOE/NNSA.
Did you notice the helicopter flying low over the city today? Atlanta Police say there’s no reason to be alarmed.
The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration is conducting low-altitude helicopter flights over the Buckhead are on Jan. 28 and 29 as well as on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, according to a DOE/NNSA release shared by APD.
The flyovers will measure naturally occurring background radiation in part of security measures for the Super Bowl, program materials explain. The measurement of naturally occurring radiation to establish baseline levels is a normal part of security and emergency preparedness.
The twin-engine helicopter will be flying in a grid pattern over the areas at 150 feet or higher at a speed of approximately 80 miles per hour, according to program materials. It is equipped with radiation-sensing technology and is operated by NNSA’s Remote Sensing Laboratory Aerial Measuring System at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C.
The helicopter will fly Flyovers will occur only during the day and are estimated to take roughly three hours each to complete, program materials indicate. Click here to learn more about the program.