This article discusses the challenges of detecting and measuring ionizing radiation, which cannot be seen or directly sensed by humans. The author focuses on the popular method of using a Geiger counter, explaining how it detects radiation through interactions between its components rather than directly sensing the radiation itself. The article also explores the direct observation of radiation through phenomena such as Cherenkov radiation and cosmic ray visual phenomena experienced by astronauts. The author introduces the concept of “scintillation” and explores its potential application in conveying radioactivity through cartography. The article includes a prototype implementation of a scintillating map using data on radon potential in Spain, highlighting the challenges and limitations of the current approach.
https://ivan.sanchezortega.es/development/2023/11/13/scintillocartography.html