Kilonova explosion

Scientists propose that kilonova explosions resulting from neutron star collisions can explain the origin of heavy elements like gold on Earth.

What is a kilonova explosion?

• A kilonova explosion is a rare and powerful cosmic event with the potential to pose a significant threat to life on Earth.
• It occurs when two neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole collide and merge, producing a blast of gamma rays that lasts only a matter of seconds.
• While not as violent as a supernova, a kilonova can still have devastating consequences for Earth if it were to occur within a relatively close proximity.

How does it origin of heavy elements like gold on Earth?

• Gold and other metals heavier than iron are created in space through the collision of two neutron stars.
• The collision of these ultra-dense, deceased stars generates ripples in the fabric of spacetime known as gravitational waves.
• Additionally, the collision produces high-energy gamma-ray bursts and a burst of light called a kilonova, which can be observed over vast distances in space.
• When certain massive stars reach the end of their life cycle, the nuclear fusion process sustaining them ceases, resulting in the formation of an ultra-dense and neutron-rich star.
• When these stars collide with each other, free neutrons are released into space.
• These neutrons are then absorbed by atoms, giving rise to the creation of extremely heavy elements that extend beyond the confines of the periodic table.
• These newly formed elements, inherently unstable, undergo gradual decay into other elements, ultimately leading to the production of metals such as gold.

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