Stars, with their multi-billion-year lifetimes, obtain their power from nuclear fusion. This process also ends up creating all the elements in the universe beyond helium. In this lecture you will learn about the nuclear reactions involved, and some of the many fascinating ‘facts of life’ that make our universe what it is: one where planets, and life, are able to exist. Can we somehow harness this power on Earth for the peaceful production of energy for a modern civilisation, not just our most potent WMD? This has been a dream of science for over 50 years: are we making progress?

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Fusion reactions powering the Sun and stars
• Prospects for fusion energy here on Earth

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Explain how scientists are hoping to harness fusion energy