Fusion and Magnetic Reconnection Propulsion with Dr. Fatima Ebrahimi

Fusion and Magnetic Reconnection Propulsion with Dr. Fatima Ebrahimi

Author: John Michael Godier April 18, 2026 Duration: 33:54

To get your free 30 day trial visit https://www.audible.com/eventhorizon or text EventHorizon to 500-500.A new type of rocket thruster that could take humankind to Mars and beyond has been proposed by Fatima Ebrahimi a physicist at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL).The Plasma thruster would apply magnetic fields to cause particles of plasma, electrically charged gas also known as the fourth state of matter, to shoot out the back of a rocket and, because of the conservation of momentum, propel the craft forward. Current space-proven plasma thrusters use electric fields to propel the particles.The new concept would accelerate the particles using magnetic reconnection, a process found throughout the universe, including the surface of the sun, in which magnetic field lines converge, suddenly separate, and then join together again, producing lots of energy. Reconnection also occurs inside doughnut-shaped fusion devices known as tokamaks.The above text is from: New concept for rocket thruster exploits the mechanism behind solar flareshttps://www.pppl.gov/news/2021/01/new-concept-rocket-thruster-exploits-mechanism-behind-solar-flaresFatima Ebrahimi is a Principal Research Physicist at the PPPL Theory Department and an Affiliated Research Scholar at the Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University. Dr. Ebrahimi received her Ph.D. in Plasma Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003.Her research interests span from magnetically confined fusion plasmas to flow-driven plasmas, such as accretion disks. Her primary research experience has been in the field of theoretical and global-computational extended magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), with wide applications to astrophysical, laboratory and fusion plasmas.Also discussed is the ITER project, the international nuclear fusion research project to build a Tokamak reactor. Can we use fusion to create energy on earth?Want to support the channel?Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EventHorizonShowFollow us at other places!Website: https://www.eventhorizonshow.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmgeventhorizonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmgeventhorizon/Music featured on Event Horizonhttps://stellardrone.bandcamp.com/https://migueljohnson.bandcamp.com/https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/https://aeriumambient.bandcamp.com/FOOTAGE:NASAESA/HubbleESO - M.KornmesserESO - L.CalcadaESO - Jose Francisco Salgado (josefrancisco.org)NAOJUniversity of WarwickGoddard Visualization StudioLangley Research CenterPixabay


Curiosity about the cosmos often starts with a simple question, and that's where John Michael Godier's Event Horizon finds its rhythm. Hosted by author and futurist John Michael Godier, this podcast delves into the profound and the perplexing at the edges of our understanding. Each episode builds a narrative, weaving together discussions on astronomy, astrophysics, and the latest space science news with broader themes of technology, history, and futurism. The conversations are grounded by special guests who bring expertise and diverse perspectives, turning complex ideas into engaging explorations. You'll find the dialogue moves from the concrete details of scientific discovery to the speculative implications for our future, all with a thoughtful and accessible tone. This isn't just a recap of headlines; it's a deep dive into the context and consequences of what we're learning about the universe. For anyone who looks up at the night sky and wonders about black holes, the potential for life elsewhere, or where our technology might take us next, this podcast offers a compelling space to linger on those big ideas. The production emphasizes clarity and depth, making even the most daunting topics feel within reach. Tune in for a regular journey to the frontiers of science and human thought.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

John Michael Godier's Event Horizon
Podcast Episodes
Unusual Laser SETI Signal Candidates Found with Benji Fields [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:47
In this episode of Event Horizon, John Michael Godier is joined by SETI scientist Benji Fields to explore one of the most intriguing optical SETI searches to date. Using archival data from the HARPS spectrograph, Fields…
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Duration: 10:59
John Michael Godier discusses if there could be life on ice shell moons like Europa and Enceladus and the possibility of interstellar objects such as Oumuamua seeding life on other planets with Dr. Karen Meech of the Uni…
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A conversation with the hosts of the Well podcast Anson Mount, who recently portrayed Captain Christopher Pike on Star Trek Discovery, and filmmaker Branan Edgens. Branan discussed his plans for a science documentary bas…
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In part two part episode we are joined by historian and host Jon Townsend who does historical reenactment, is the host of the youtube channel Townsend’s, and is the proprietor of the online store, https://www.townsends.u…
The Universe's Endgame with Christian Ready [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:47
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Finding Solutions to the Fermi Paradox with Harvard's Dr. Avi Loeb [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:09
A new interview with Dr. Abraham "Avi" Loeb from Harvard and update on the subject of Oumuamua, the Fermi Paradox, interstellar objects. Life around red dwarf stars, solar flares, and the search for intelligent alien civ…
Where is Planet 9? with Dr. Konstantin Batygin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:20
We speak with Dr. Konstantin Batygin on the search for planet 9, and how he and his partner Mike Brown might discover it very soon.Planet Nine Hypothesis: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1902.10103.pdfDoes Planet Nine Exist? Featu…
How Near Earth Objects Are Tracked Featuring Karen Meech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:02
John Michael Godier is joined by Karen Meech in this clip, as they discuss the odds of Asteroids hitting earth and tracking other near earth objects including Oumuamua and it's trajectory. Website:https://www.eventhorizo…