Podcast Summary
We are made of star stuff: New research reveals that even the heaviest elements in our bodies were formed in stars, not just a metaphor, but a literal truth
We are all connected to the universe in a literal sense, as we are made of star stuff. Carl Sagan famously expressed this idea, and it's not just a metaphor. The elements that make up our bodies, such as nitrogen, calcium, and iron, were forged in the interiors of stars. Even the heavier elements like gold, platinum, and uranium, which were long thought to have originated from earlier in the universe, have recently been traced back to stars. Researchers have discovered new clues about the origins of these elements in a rock at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean containing plutonium atoms. This finding sheds light on the cosmic processes that have shaped the elements in our world and within us.
We are made of star stuff: Discovering extraterrestrial plutonium on Earth: Extraterrestrial plutonium found in Earth's crust hints at star origins and cosmic connections, emphasizing the importance of studying Earth's elements for astrophysics insights.
The elements that make up life on Earth, including plutonium, are formed inside of stars during their explosive deaths, known as supernovae. These explosions can send elements out into space, and if a supernova is close enough to Earth, its guts can literally rain down on our planet. This is how we, as humans, are made of star stuff. Astronomer Brian Fields from the University of Illinois explained that while it's difficult to definitively prove a supernova's impact on Earth, the presence of certain elements, like plutonium, could be evidence. This discovery of extraterrestrial plutonium in the Earth's crust adds to our understanding of the life cycles of stars and the universe as a whole. It's a reminder that we are connected to the cosmos in ways that are both fascinating and humbling. This podcast episode from NPR's Shortwave highlights the discovery of extraterrestrial plutonium and its implications for astrophysics. The discussion emphasizes the importance of studying the elements found on Earth to learn about the history of the universe and the processes that create the building blocks of life. The episode also mentions the support from Integrative Therapeutics and Apple Card.
Discovering Earth's Cosmic Past through Supernova Evidence: Scientists used radioactive elements to prove that supernova explosions occurred near Earth, enhancing our knowledge of the cosmos and Earth's origins.
A team of scientists, led by Carl Sagan's colleague, Alan Fields, made a groundbreaking discovery by predicting and finding evidence of supernova explosions on Earth. Supernova explosions are rare and typically occur far away in galaxies. However, Fields and his team hypothesized that some may have occurred near Earth based on the presence of certain radioactive elements. These elements are formed during supernova explosions and decay over specific timeframes. By identifying elements with decay times long enough to have reached Earth since the formation of the planet but short enough that they wouldn't have been present at its birth, the team was able to provide evidence for this theory. This discovery significantly advanced our understanding of the cosmos and the origins of Earth's elements.
Discovering Cosmic Events through Radioactive Elements: Radioactive elements like iron 60 and plutonium found in various locations provide evidence of nearby and relatively recent cosmic events, expanding our knowledge of the universe and its impact on Earth.
The discovery of radioactive elements, such as iron 60 and plutonium, in various locations around the Earth can provide evidence of cosmic events, like supernova explosions, that occurred nearby and relatively recently. For instance, the presence of iron 60 in deep sea rocks, moon samples, and arctic snow indicates an event around 3000000 years ago. Similarly, a recent study found plutonium in a rock from the Pacific Ocean, suggesting a more recent cosmic event. These discoveries add to our understanding of the universe and the role that cosmic events play in shaping our planet. While the search for these elements continues, each new discovery brings us closer to unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos.
Discovering the Earth's Time Capsule: Ferromanganese Crusts: Ferromanganese crusts on the ocean floor act as time capsules, revealing evidence of extraterrestrial elements like iron and plutonium, suggesting nearby supernovas' impact on Earth's crust. The presence of plutonium remains a mystery, hinting at unknown cosmic events.
Scientists have discovered a type of rock called ferromanganese crust in the ocean floor that acts like a time capsule, recording the history of the elements it has absorbed over millions of years. These layers contain evidence of extraterrestrial particles, including iron and even plutonium. The presence of these elements suggests that nearby supernovas have played a role in shaping the Earth's crust. However, the discovery of plutonium poses a mystery, as its presence cannot be fully explained by supernovas alone. Scientists believe that some other yet-to-be-discovered cosmic event may be responsible for creating this heavy element. The discovery of these elements in the rock layers provides valuable insights into the universe's history and the processes that shape our planet.
Discovering Plutonium in Space: A New Source of Heavy Elements?: Recent findings suggest neutron star mergers may contribute to the formation of heavy elements like plutonium, challenging the long-held belief that supernovas are the primary source.
The discovery of plutonium in a meteorite from space challenges our understanding of how heavy elements are formed in the universe. While supernova explosions have long been believed to be the primary source of these elements, recent findings suggest that exotic events like neutron star mergers may also play a role. Neutron stars, which are incredibly dense and small, are now thought to be capable of generating heavy elements like plutonium. Astronomers are excited about this discovery, as it opens up new possibilities for understanding the universe's elemental composition. However, it's important to note that this discovery does not pose any danger to Earth, as we know where massive stars are located and when they are likely to explode. Overall, this research highlights the ongoing exploration and discovery in the field of astronomy and our ever-evolving understanding of the universe.
Exploring the cosmic connection of elements and the team behind Shortwave: We're all made of star stuff, and this cosmic connection was discussed in the latest Shortwave episode. Easycater and The Bid were acknowledged as sponsors, providing support for the podcast and offering insights on investing and retirement respectively.
Learning from this episode of Shortwave is the reminder that we are all made of star stuff, even if not in the form of plutonium. This cosmic connection was explored during the conversation about the origins of elements. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the production of this podcast was made possible by the team of Rebecca Ramirez, Giselle Grayson, Rasha Airedi, Josephine Neonai, and Emily Quang. Additionally, sponsors Easycater and BlackRock's podcast, The Bid, were acknowledged for their support. Easycater, a company that helps businesses find food for meetings and events with online ordering and 24/7 live support, was highlighted. The Bid, BlackRock's podcast, was introduced as a source for market insights from BlackRock's thought leaders. Investors and retirement were among the topics discussed on the latest episode of The Bid, with BlackRock's chairman and CEO, Larry Fink, providing insights on the challenges and solutions related to these issues in the context of the global capital markets.
