Nuclear ignition of gas giant atmospheres

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The discussion centers on the feasibility of initiating a self-sustaining nuclear fusion reaction in gas giant atmospheres, particularly through the detonation of a nuclear bomb. While a nuclear explosion could theoretically create conditions for fusion, the rapid expansion of materials would lead to a temperature drop, preventing a sustained reaction. The conversation also explores the differences between fusion processes in stars like the Sun and those in nuclear weapons, emphasizing the role of weak interactions in stellar fusion. Additionally, participants debate the energy output per unit volume of the Sun compared to other sources, highlighting the complexities of fusion dynamics. Overall, the consensus is that while fusion can occur under extreme conditions, sustaining it in a planetary atmosphere is unlikely.
  • #31
Originally posted by Tyro
Assumptions/info needed:
You are misusing the term 'assumption.' What you really mean is prior, a result of a previous experiment. An assumption has no experimental basis. I made no assumptions, but I did make use of priors.

- Warren
 

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