China's nuclear fusion reactor runs at 126MILLION F for 17 minutes

China's'artificial sun' nuclear fusion reactor in Hefei has set a new world record after running at 126 million F (70 million C) for 1,056 seconds – more than 17 minutes. This record, set on December 30, marks the longest running duration for an experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor, Xinhua News Agency reports. EAST already set a previous record in May by running for 101 seconds at a higher temperature – 216 million F (120 million C). Nuclear fusion power works by colliding heavy hydrogen atoms to form helium, releasing vast amounts of energy, mimicking the process that occurs naturally in the centre of stars like our sun. How it works: This graphic shows the inside of a nuclear fusion reactor and explains the process by which power is produced.