Despite COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns and travel restrictions, one can still take a tour of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in southern France. Virtually, of course.

The ITER Organization has added a permanent free virtual visit option to its program, allowing fusion fans to view and inspect the world’s largest tokamak. In about 90 minutes, the ITER visit team will explain the project in detail, show a video shot by drone and lead a tour of all the main buildings on site through immersive 360° images.

The magnetic fusion device under construction by 35 nations is 78% complete. Near-term visitors may even have a view of the first module of the central solenoid, the world’s most powerful magnet. After a decade of design and fabrication, General Atomics is ready to ship the magnet from the U.S., which will become a central component of ITER. Fully assembled, it will be 18 m tall and 4.25 m wide and will weigh 1,000 tons. It will induce a powerful current in the ITER plasma, helping to shape and control the fusion reaction during long pulses. At its core, it will reach a magnetic field strength of 13 Tesla, about 280,000 times stronger than the earth's magnetic field.

The virtual visit option will remain available to the public even after COVID-related restrictions end. Access the calendar to see open slots for group or individual virtual visits in either English or French.