Scientists Achieved Self-Sustaining Nuclear Fusion… But Now They Can't Replicate It - ScienceAlert

Nuclear fusion occurs when two atoms combine to create a heavier atom, releasing a huge burst of energy in the process.

The Sun generates energy using nuclear fusion – by smashing hydrogen atoms together to create helium.

To make nuclear fusion a viable energy source for humans, scientists first have to achieve something called 'ignition', where the self-heating mechanisms overpower all the energy loss.

Once ignition is achieved, the fusion reaction powers itself.

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility in California have spent over a decade perfecting their technique and have now confirmed that the landmark experiment conducted on 8 August 2021 did, in fact, produce the first-ever successful ignition of a nuclear fusion reaction.