The National Nuclear Security Administration will survey radiation levels in Boston next week by flying a Bell 412 helicopter over the city.
The helicopter will be operated by the Remote Sensing Laboratory Aerial Measuring System out of Joint Base Andrews between April 6 and 15, according to a press release from NNSA.
"The helicopter will fly in a grid pattern over the area at 150 feet (or higher) above the ground surface, at a speed of approximately 80 miles per hour," the press release said. "Flyovers will occur only during daylight hours and are estimated to take about four days to complete."
"The measurement of naturally occurring radiation to establish baseline levels is a normal part of security and emergency preparedness. NNSA is making the public aware of the upcoming flights so that citizens who see the low-flying aircraft are not alarmed."
NNSA describes itself as "a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science in the nation’s national security enterprise." It has conducted radiation surveys across the country.