Scientists Discover First Evidence of Nuclear Fission in Neutron Stars, Creating Heavy Elements like Gold

Scientists have found the first sign that nuclear fission is happening in the stars.

Scientists have found compelling evidence of nuclear fission (Photo: IFL Science)

Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough

Scientists have found compelling evidence that nuclear fission happens between stars, especially after neutron stars crash into each other. If this early sign of nuclear fission happening during these disasters is correct, it means that “superheavy” elements are likely to form, which are generally heavier than elements in the periodic table.

Scientists from North Carolina State University led the study that looked at data from stars and found a possible link between “light precision metals” and “rare earth nuclei” in some stars. This link is very important for understanding how nuclear fission can happen in these very harsh vacuums of space.

Key players in this event are neutron stars, which are made when massive stars run out of nuclear fusion fuel and their cores fall. By colliding and merging, these dense neutron stars eventually release a lot of free neutrons. This lets atomic nuclei grow quickly through the “r-process” and makes unstable superheavy elements. Later, these elements fission, which breaks them down into lighter, more stable elements like gold.

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The groundbreaking study backs up theoretical predictions and sheds new light on how heavy metals are made in the universe and how nuclear fission works in space. This study sheds light on the beginnings of important and rare heavy metals and stresses how important neutron star collisions are for making elements heavier than iron.

In conclusion, the scientists’ findings in Science show the huge effects of nuclear fission on the universe and back up statements made years ago. This amazing find throws light on the complicated processes that make heavy elements in the universe.

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