Fusion energy powers the sun and stars. In celebration of Fusion Energy Week, get out and enjoy some sunshine with the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory on a public hike at the Plainsboro Preserve. Fusion Energy Week recognizes the birthday of Dr. Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin who discovered what our sun and stars are made of, which led to our understanding of fusion — a potentially limitless source of energy.
PPPL staff will be on hand sharing science displays and demonstrations inside the Rush Holt Environmental Education Center from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. Two guided hikes will take place at 11 and 11:30 a.m. along the Orange Trail at Plainsboro Preserve. This easy, approximately 0.5–1 mile loop winds along the edge of McCormack Lake, offering scenic views of wetlands, fields and forest habitats. Hikers will explore a diverse landscape featuring native plants, wildlife and excellent birdwatching opportunities, all just steps from the nature center. The Orange Trail is sunny, relatively flat and beginner-friendly, making it perfect for families and casual hikers. Each hike can accommodate up to 10 people. Please register ahead of time.
What to Wear & Bring:
The fusion happening in the sun and stars creates a ton of energy, which ultimately reaches us here on Earth in the form of light, including ultra-violet (UV) light. Attendees should apply sunscreen to protect from the sun’s UV rays. Participants should also bring water and wear comfortable, closed-toed walking shoes or hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended) and insect repellant. Optional items include binoculars for wildlife viewing and a small backpack for personal items.
Things to watch out for:
Please stay on the trail not only for the sake of preserving wildlife but also so that you do not step in areas that are more likely to contain ticks and poison ivy. Ask a staff member to identify poison ivy plants, methods of removing urushiol and hotspots for ticks.
PPPL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by Princeton University. The Lab is celebrating 75 years of being a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion. Scientists are seeking to replicate fusion on Earth for a virtually inexhaustible supply of power to generate electricity. Fusion occurs when the nuclei of light atoms like hydrogen (one proton and one neutron) fuse together and create a new nucleus, releasing energy.
