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Gold, a rare and heavy element, originates from cosmic events like neutron star mergers, where the rapid neutron capture process forms heavy elements. Present on Earth since its formation ...

An unusual bright blast of light detected by multiple telescopes in December 2021 was the result of a rare cosmic explosion that created a wealth of heavy elements such as gold and platinum.

creating heavy elements like gold, platinum, and lead, further supporting the role of neutron star collisions in cosmic element production. However, researchers now point out that there may be an ...

Brian Metzger of the Flatiron Institute calls this discovery a “cosmic game-changer”—magnetar flares may account for up to 10% of the galaxy’s gold. The r-process doesn’t just make gold ...