The Modesto Area Partners in Science (MAPS) offers the presentation “Fusion: Building a Miniature Star on Earth” by Tammy Ma, Ph.D., experimental laser-plasma physicist with the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The event is set for Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Sierra Hall 132 on the Modesto Junior College West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto. Both the program and parking are free.

Rapid progress is being made in the quest for sustained thermonuclear fusion using the world’s largest and most energetic laser system at the National Ignition Facility. Ma will discuss her research with inertial confinement fusion and provide an update on the progress, methods and challenges of obtaining controlled nuclear fusion as a source of abundant, clean energy.

The free MAPS event is intended for people over 12 years of age. MAPS programs are made possible by contributions from ASMJC, the MJC Foundation and the MJC STEM program.

For more information about the MAPS program visit the website http://maps.events.mjc.edu/.