|
|
Article: Cosmic chemistry: closing the gap in the origin of the elements. (origin of boron, beryllium and lithium)
- Article from:
- Science News
- Article date:
- November 2, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1996 Science Service, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
For the past 25 years, astronomers have puzzled over an elemental mystery. Researchers widely accept the notion that all of the hydrogen and helium in the universe, as well as trace amounts of lithium, were produced in the Big Bang. Heavier nuclei, beginning with carbon, were forged in the furnacelike interiors of massive stars and then dumped into space when these stars exploded as supernovas. That still leaves no explanation for two lightweight elements-beryllium and boron-and the bulk of the lithium.
"The elements in between those produced in the Big Bang and those produced by supernovas are not very common, but it hasn't been entirely clear where they came from," ...