31. The team studied the nuclear fusion reaction between uranium ions and a target of natural nickel: 32. Billions of them, produced by fusion reactions within the Sun, fly through every person every second. 33. In experiments last year, the Sandia researchers first detected telltale neutrons produced by the fusion reactions . 34. With a branching probability relative to the primary fusion reaction of about 10 " 4. 35. Other fusion reactions produce much less energetic neutrons. 36. In that case, alien technology triggers a fusion reaction in the planet, which is largely hydrogen. 37. The fusion reaction rate increases rapidly with temperature until it maximizes and then gradually drops off. 38. The detonation of this " spark plug " would help to initiate and enhance the fusion reaction . 39. To reach net power, fusion reactions have to occur fast enough to make up for energy losses. 40. The fusion reaction also released energy, but only 10 millionths of the energy consumed by the laser.
