MIT Scientists Demo 150 Ton Magnet For Plasma Research

Dr.Luke writes "The dream of abundant fusion energy just got a step closer to reality. MIT scientists just demonstrated a mammoth 150 ton magnet that could be used to create powerful plasma container needed for a practical fusion power plant. The device produces a magnetic field 260,000 times stronger than that of Earth. Full story here."

Comments

Anyone else thinking cartoon here?

[roachmotel3]

BUGS BUNNY points the giant magnet towards the airplane, piloted by ELMER FUDD and makes him crash into a tree

I can see the quotes now...

[stienman]

Scientist, "Yeah, so, like, the fusion reaction can put out, you know, a lot of power - like 10,000 amps or so."

Reporter, "And how much current does the one smaller magnet consume again?"

Scientist, "Uh... 46,000 amps. But it's so cool! I mean, it glows and stuff!"

...

3) Profit!

-Adam

Sign on the door

[quintessent]

Warning: Any metal objects in pockets will be confiscated without warning.

Re:Field of the earth is tiny...

[Anonymous Coward]

On as side note about public ignorance about science, MRI (Magnetic Ressonanse Imaging) is really NMRI (Nuclear Magnetic Ressonanse Imaging), but because the public is so affraid of anything with the name Nuclear or Radiation or Commie in the name, the word Nuclear is always left off.

In addition, if one enters a place of medicine in certain parts of the United States and requests an "en-em-er," one will get a treatment that has absolutely nothing to do with nuclear magnetic resonance.

Yes, this has happened.

wouldn't this be a bit dangerous?

[moosesocks]

In other news, every CRT located within two miles of the magnet is now in dire need of a degauss.

Meanwhile...

[arban]

Meanwhile, at the conclution of the 34th International Orienteering Competition, no winner could be determined and 5 teams are unaccounted for. Feared dead. Film at 11.