fusion power & space

[timejump]

i read this article and I'm curious to know a few things.<br />this is the article btw<br />http://www.livescience.com/space/businesstechnology/080206-tw-magnetic-reconnection.html<br /><br />it talks about magnetic reconnection and how it may be possible to create someting similiar to this and use it as a renewable energy. my question is what or how can we see these reconnections happening and how could we create this here on earth.<br /><br /><br />thanks in advance

 

[origin]

The article discusses the <i>problems</i> associated with magnetic reconnection. It already does occur on earth in experimental fusion reactors. The magnetic bottle (which is an magnetic field in the form of a cylinder that is 'pinched' at the ends) experiencies magnetic reconnection which cools the plasma and quenches the fusion. So understanding how magnetic reconnection works will (hopefully) allow the researches to prevent reconnection. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>