Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

In Our Time

Discussion & Talk

Podcasts

Factual: History

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Melvyn Bragg

Philippa Browning

Steve Cowley

Justin Wark

Thomas Morris

In Our Time: Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear Fusion

30/10/2014

BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time, Nuclear Fusion

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the history and science of nuclear fusion.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the history and science of nuclear fusion, the process that powers stars.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss nuclear fusion, the process that powers stars. In the 1920s physicists predicted that it might be possible to generate huge amounts of energy by fusing atomic nuclei together, a reaction requiring enormous temperatures and pressures. Today we know that this complex reaction is what keeps the Sun shining. Scientists have achieved fusion in the laboratory and in nuclear weapons; today it is seen as a likely future source of limitless and clean energy.

Guests:

Philippa Browning, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Manchester

Steve Cowley, Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

Justin Wark, Professor of Physics and fellow of Trinity College at the University of Oxford

Producer: Thomas Morris.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

In Our Time

Nuclear Fusion

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4