CHERNOBYL

01:23 AM

Despite the problems encountered during preparations, the experiment continues. As planned, extra cooling pumps are started, cooling the reactor. The number of steam bubbles decreases, which also reduces power—the opposite of what was desired at that moment. At 01:23, the actual experiment begins: steam supply to the turbines is cut off. They spin down and cooling water flow decreases. More steam forms in the reactor, power increases which creates more steam, power increases... and the rest we know.