CHERNOBYL -  On April 26, 1986 the nuclear reactor at Chernobyl-4 was run through a series of tests which resulted in an explosion and meltdown. SLNN readers may know of Elena Filatova, who documents her journeys around Chernobyl in the present day on her Web blog, http://elenafilatova.com/ 

Magrathean Technologies (http://magrathean.ca/ ) constructed the remarkably realistic Chernobyl site within Second Life.

Although a private island, Chernobyl can be visited by appointment with Maxwolf Goodliffe. Goodliffe would be happy to tour classes or groups through the site and offers much background on the many areas constructed.

“We started this place as a fundraiser for the efforts there to rebuild the concrete enclosure that seals this place and its contents from the outside world,” Goodliffe said. Attempts were made to deal with the Russian charities, but language barriers impeded communication and so the fundraiser fell through.  “And now this sim sits empty like the real reactor.”

A team of 10 residents constructed the SL Chernobyl build in six months time, with Goodliffe and Jakealake Delphin doing most of the building.

In real life and in SL, a statue is on the grounds remembering the victims of the disaster. Plaques circle the bottom of the statue with a Bible verse repeated in many languages referring to Wormwood, which roughly translates into Chernobyl. The verses from the Book of Revelations tell of a burning star falling from the heavens into the water and of many men dying from the contamination of the water.

Access is not easy at SL’s Chernobyl and visitors should expect to do lots of climbing and jumping from place to place through the wreckage (flying is off).

Goodliffe summarized the history of the events leading up to the meltdown.