The 8 ways that all the elements in the Universe are made
4 months ago
- #astronomy
- #universe
- #elements
- The Universe's normal matter consists of atoms, with protons determining an element's properties.
- Over 100 elements are known, created by eight processes.
- 1. The Big Bang created light elements up to lithium (3).
- 2. Massive stars explode in supernovae, producing elements from carbon (6) to zirconium (40).
- 3. Low-mass stars evolve into giants, creating elements from strontium (38) to bismuth (83).
- 4. White dwarf explosions (type Ia supernovae) yield elements from silicon (14) to zinc (30).
- 5. Merging neutron stars (kilonovae) produce heavy elements from niobium (41) to plutonium (94).
- 6. Cosmic ray spallation creates lithium (3), beryllium (4), and boron (5).
- 7. Radioactive decay produces unstable isotopes like technetium (43) and elements heavier than lead (82).
- 8. Human-made elements (trans-plutonic >94) are created in labs up to Oganesson (118).
- Mostly Mute Monday shares astronomical stories in images and under 200 words.