On the internal energy source of the large planets

Based on spacecraft observations of the giant planets we call attention to an apparent regular mass-luminosity relation for the large planets (giant planets plus Earth). It can provide important clues and constraints on the question of their energy source, including various relevant theories and their difficulties. We describe in some detail a new thermonuclear reaction mechanism, valid for plasma fusions at both super—high and low temperatures, and including the original thermonuclear mechanism as a particular case. It can explain not only the internal energy souce of the large planets, but also many anomalous fusion phenomena observed in the laboratory and in astronomical bodies. Although these appear in various guises, their basic principle is the same, that is, they can all be understood in terms of the new mechanism.