|
Credit & Copyright: Dana Berry,
NASA
Explanation:
Where did the
gold
in your jewelry originate?
No one is completely sure.
The relative average abundance in our
Solar System appears higher than can be made in the
early universe, in
stars, and even in typical
supernova explosions.
Some
astronomers
have
recently suggested that neutron-rich heavy
elements such as
gold might be most easily
made in rare
neutron-rich
explosions such as the
collision of neutron stars.
Pictured above is an artist's illustration depicting two
neutron stars spiraling in toward each other, just before they
collide.
Since neutron star collisions are also suggested as the origin of
short
duration
gamma-ray bursts,
it is possible that you already own a souvenir from one of the most
powerful explosions in the universe.
|
January February March April May June July August September October November December |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: gold - gamma-ray burst - supernova
Publications with words: gold - gamma-ray burst - supernova
See also: