Nuclear Energy
Latest about Nuclear Energy
![The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) nuclear fusion reactor on Jan. 15, 2025 in China.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4WWuJbSzvDL4Fqxz7498Gn-320-80.jpg)
China's 'artificial sun' shatters nuclear fusion record by generating steady loop of plasma for 1,000 seconds
By Patrick Pester published
A nuclear fusion reactor in China, dubbed the "artificial sun," has broken its own record to bring humanity one step closer to near-limitless clean energy.
![A photo of an engineer working in the target chamber of the National Ignition Facility](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FB4A8oUUeZk7vnQeXkX7DU-320-80.jpg)
Nuclear fusion could be the clean energy of the future — but these 'tough' challenges stand in the way
By George R. Tynan, Farhat Beg published
Even once researchers can reliably get more power out of a fusion reaction than they put in, they'll still need to overcome engineering challenges to scale up fusion energy.
![A jar of mayo in front of a burning sun](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nh5GPB7LiNH5bGCRdmh9ig-320-80.jpg)
Physicists solve nuclear fusion mystery with mayonnaise
By Tia Ghose published
The same physics that underlie mayonnaise could help physicists corral the ultrahot plasma needed to produce nuclear fusion.
![Inside the JET tokamak](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/D2BM4SWUjJn4nBHX2SDVT6-320-80.png)
Nuclear fusion reactor in UK sets new world record for energy output
By Joanna Thompson published
The JET nuclear fusion reactor in the UK has set a new world record for total energy output. However, the reactor's record-smashing test will be its last.
![The nuclear bomb attack against Nagasaki, Japan on Aug. 8, 1945.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SFNAEe2dpAaUwj5w9h3cc7-320-80.jpg)
What is fission?
By Nola Taylor Redd, Tia Ghose last updated
Fission is the process by which an atom splits into two, generating two smaller atoms and a tremendous amount of energy. Fission powers nuclear bombs and power plants.
![The damaged Chernobyl nuclear power plant: a group of ruined and damaged gray, green and white buildings](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/quot7kNm69aWtc7RqkU5xE-320-80.jpg)
Chernobyl: The world's worst nuclear disaster
By Marc Lallanilla published
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion resulted in the most horrific nuclear disaster in the world.
![Person wearing a yellow biohazard suit in a decontamination shower against an industrial background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/58tYBVtrzgtK9e6t6q3ZRo-320-80.jpg)
How do you decontaminate objects exposed to radioactivity?
By Joanna Thompson published
Can a person or object exposed to high radioactivity just take a shower with soap and water, or is more needed for decontamination?
![NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — as seen in the bright flash on the top right — on Oct. 2, 2022. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in orange.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k5SyxoUqNhTQwvuWdkHR9G-320-80.jpg)
What is nuclear fusion?
By Nola Taylor Redd, Tia Ghose published
Nuclear fusion is the merging of two light atomic nuclei into one heavier one. If it can be harnessed on Earth, it could generate clean, limitless energy.
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