  The connection of synthesis of long-lived superheavy nuclei and existence of
the island of stability with the choice of realistic nuclear potential is
discussed: the behaviour of the average field of nuclei is an important element
of nuclear models. It is also shown that it is just Dubna that possesses the
priority both in the recent synthesis of a superheavy nucleus with charge Z=114
and in its theoretical prediction made 35 years ago. Possible sizes of the
island of stability of superheavy nuclei are considered.
