On the Origin of Gold
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 now suggest 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 a computer-animated frame depicting two
neutron stars spiraling in toward each other,
just before they
collide.
Since
neutron star collisions are also suggested as the origin of
gamma-ray bursts,
it is possible that you already own a souvenir
from one of the most
powerful explosions in the universe.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
