I wonder what would have happened if Slotin had *not* been quick thinking.

The plutonium would have gone critical, but I don't think it would have exploded; at least not an atomic explosion. The result would have been very "Kiss me deadly" -- a glow filling the room, fire, and as heat increased the mess burning through the building and into the ground (china syndrome). The radioactivity would have been immense -- probably affecting more than just the people in that room.

anyone know?