triple-alpha process tagged posts

Supernova surprise creates Elemental Mystery

In the triple-alpha process, stars fuse three helium nuclei, also called alpha particles together (left) to create a single carbon atom with a surplus of energy, known as a Hoyle state. That Hoyle state can split back into three alpha particles or relax to the ground state of stable carbon by releasing a couple gamma rays (center). Inside supernovae, however, the creation of stable carbon can be enhanced with the help of extra protons (right). Credit: Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

Michigan State University (MSU) researchers have discovered that one of the most important reactions in the universe can get a huge and unexpected boost inside exploding star – supernovae.

This finding also challenges ideas behind how some of the Earth’s heavy elements are made...

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