Ancient stars may have had the ability to produce elements with atomic masses greater than 260.
The heaviest elements are known to be created in neutron stars via a process known as rapid neutron capture, or the 'r-process'.
These elements are much heavier than any element found naturally on Earth, including uranium.
The study was conducted by scientists from North Carolina State University.
Ancient stars, some of the oldest in the Milky Way galaxy, may have had the ability to produce elements with atomic masses greater than 260, according to a recent study. These elements are much heavier than any element found naturally on Earth, including uranium, the heaviest naturally occurring element known to us.
Stars are often referred to as cosmic element factories, continuously creating elements through fusion and fission processes. The heaviest elements are known to be created in neutron stars via a process known as rapid neutron capture, or the 'r-process'. This process occurs during neutron star events such as collisions.
The study, conducted by scientists from North Carolina State University, deepens our understanding of element formation in stars. The researchers discovered that the r-process can produce atoms with an atomic mass of at least 260, surpassing the atomic mass of uranium. This discovery suggests that ancient neutron stars may have created elements that are not yet on the periodic table.
The team of researchers took a fresh look at the amounts of heavy elements in 42 ancient stars in the Milky Way, revealing new patterns and insights into the element formation process. This finding could potentially open up new avenues of research in astrophysics and deepen our understanding of the universe.
Scientists from North Carolina State University discovered that some of the oldest stars in the Milky Way galaxy could generate these elements, which are much heavier than any element found naturally on Earth.
Stars are known as cosmic element factories, continuously creating elements through fusion and fission processes.
Researchers have discovered that ancient neutron stars may have created elements with atomic mass greater than 260, surpassing the heaviest naturally occurring element known on Earth, uranium.
These heavy elements are forged through rapid neutron capture, or the 'r-process,' which occurs during neutron star events such as collisions.
