China's 'artificial sun' nuclear fusion reactor has set a new world record after running at 216million degrees Fahrenheit (120million°C) for 100 seconds, according to state media. Its previous record was 180million°F for 100 secondsHow it works: This graphic shows the inside of a nuclear fusion reactor and explains the process by which power is produced. The machine, China's largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device, uses a powerful magnetic field to fuse hot plasma. Chinese scientists have been working on developing smaller versions of the nuclear fusion reactor since 2006. Scientists at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) at Culham, Oxfordshire, made their breakthrough using a £55million experimental fusion reactor called MAST Upgrade.

Source: Daily Mail June 02, 2021 08:57 UTC