Fusion! Science or Miracle?

[Bernard Gui]

On 12/13/2022 at 9:23 PM, mfbukowski said:

Today is a historic landmark in science, it has been announced that nuclear fusion in a lab has been accomplished!

Humankind has achieved understanding of yet another of God's natural laws which might have been called "miraculous" in one kind of religious  paradigm, but not for members of the Church of Jesus Christ, who understand that "miracles" are simply results of scientifically observed principles we commonly call "laws"

A paper by an LDS professor has traced the history of our beliefs.

https://www.sciencemeetsreligion.org/lds/lds-natural-law.php

"...If such is the fact, then, there never has been a miracle, and there never will be one. The laws of nature are the laws of truth. Truth is unchangeable, and independent in its own sphere. A law of nature never has been broken. And it is an absolute impossibility that such law ever should be broken.

This sentiment prevailed into the 20th century. LDS Apostle James E. Talmage, author of The Articles of Faith, wrote the following [Talmage1899, pg. 220]:

Miracles are commonly regarded as occurrences in opposition to the laws of nature. Such a conception is plainly erroneous, for the laws of nature are inviolable. However, as human understanding of these laws is at best but imperfect, events strictly in accordance with natural law may appear contrary thereto. The entire constitution of nature is founded on system and order.

With this more flexible theology, any lingering reasons for a "war" between science and religion totally evaporate. This may be part of the reason that so many LDS people have pursued careers in the field of science. For example, a 1974 study found that disproportionately large numbers of students who graduated from undergraduate programs in scientific fields in Utah (where the LDS Church is quite strong) went on to receive doctorates in these fields [Hardy1974]."

 

In the early 60s when I was in high school, several men in our ward (Los Alamos, NM) were pioneering the project to contain fusion reactions, the Holy Grail of physics. The goal was to contain the plasma as it was subjected to the pressure and temperature needed to start and maintain the reaction.  

No physical material could do it, so they worked with the theory that particles beaming into a powerful magnetic toroidal “squeeze bottle” could create a force that would contain sustainable fusion. They understood the necessary processes, but were unable to generate enough magnetic force to “seal” the bottle. The reactive material just leaked through the magnetic lines of force as temperature and pressure increased to high levels! 

There were lots of LDS scientists and engineers in our ward working at LASL. Our Explorer/Priest adviser was one of the lead scientists at this project. He took us on a guided tour through the facility and described what they were doing. I was intrigued. Physics was my favorite HS science class. Had I been smarter I probably would have become a physicist. 

I think the folks at Livermore must have figured out something with Krispy Kreme to get the thing to work. Probably has something to do with the sugar glaze.

Edited January 26, 2023 by Bernard Gui

[Stargazer]

On 12/31/2022 at 5:40 AM, mfbukowski said:

I could really make quite a list of what I did NOT say

That would be list infinitely long. Better pack a lunch -- you'd be at it for a looonnnggg time.