Science: Fuss over Fusion

Superheat from Princeton

In theory, no single energy source has seemed more promising than fusion, the process by which science seeks to kindle the same nuclear fires as those in the sun. But until recently, progress has been painfully slow; fusion is not expected to produce power before well into the 21st century. Now an experiment at Princeton University has ignited new optimism about the future of fusion.

For 20 milliseconds, the doughnut-shaped device known as the Princeton Large Torus held a plasma of hydrogen and deuterium in a strong magnetic field at a temperature of 60 million degrees centigradeĀ—four times higher than...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!