superheavy elements

Scientists create five new isotopes to learn how neutron star collisions forge gold

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Researchers have synthesized five new isotopes that could help bring the stars to Earth – and bring scientists one step closer to understanding how collisions between ultra-dense, dead stars can create heavy elements like gold and silver. The isotopes are Thulium-182, thulium-183, ytterbium-186, ytterbium-187 and lutetium-190; this is the first time they have ever been … Read more

Cosmic fission observed for the first time in ‘incredibly profound’ discovery

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Scientists have discovered the first indications that nuclear fission is taking place between stars. The discovery supports the idea that when neutron stars collide, they create ‘superheavy’ elements – heavier than the heaviest elements on the periodic table – which are then broken down via nuclear fission to birth elements such as the gold in … Read more