The RN-50 station of the University of Panama has not only become a valuable asset for monitoring nuclear tests, but it also performs environmental monitoring, detecting carbon particles, atmospheric pollutants, and toxic gases. The high technical performance of the RN-50 has been recognized with its certification and recertification by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) for meeting the most demanding international standards. Its strategic location allows it to monitor radioactive particles and material in a wide area covering the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Colombia, strengthening the regional capacity to detect possible nuclear tests through the analysis of particles transported by atmospheric currents. As a result, the University of Panama was distinguished with the installation of a National Data Center server, which allows it to receive information from similar stations located worldwide, a privilege reserved only for installations with outstanding results. This data is recorded continuously and provides key information to assess the country's progress in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, especially regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. An example of this function occurred during the fire at Cerro Patacón two years ago, when the sensors allowed the identification of harmful substances released by the burning of tires and other materials. The RN-50 is part of a network of approximately 80 stations distributed worldwide. Last month, the station received a visit from Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). The station has the ability to identify gases from hospitals, industries, or other sources, as well as measure levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and oxygen (O₂) associated with vehicular traffic. The visit aimed to highlight the quality of the work developed by the Panamanian technical staff and to explore new opportunities for international cooperation and training.
University of Panama's RN-50 Station: From Nuclear Monitoring to Environmental Control
The University of Panama's RN-50 station, certified by the CTBTO, serves a dual purpose: monitoring nuclear tests and tracking environmental pollution. Thanks to its strategic location, it collects atmospheric data across the vast Caribbean region, strengthening regional security and contributing to sustainable development goals.
