Physicists Created a Supernova Reaction on Earth Using a Radioactive Beam - ScienceAlert
By probing an accelerated beam of radioactive ions, a team led by physicist Gavin Lotay of the University of Surrey in the UK observed the proton-capture process thought to occur in core-collapse supernovae.This is where physicists think even heavier elements are born.These 30 or so naturally occurring isotopes of heavy elements constitute around 1 percent of the heavy elements observed in our Solar System, and their formation is a mystery.
The currently favored model is the gamma process, in which atoms capture loose protons during an energetic event.The results suggested the production of the p-nucleus strontium-84, the researchers said, consistent with the gamma process.