 |
| Computer
simulation of a Red Giant star. |
The origins of chemical elements
found on Earth-nuclear reactions that
take place in stars—were discovered
and confirmed by researchers supported
by the Office of Science and predecessor
agencies. The late William Fowler
of the California Institute of Technology
won half of the 1983 Nobel Prize in
physics for his work in elucidating
this process of nucleosynthesis. Fowler
carried out experimental studies of
nuclear reactions of astrophysical
interest as well as theoretical calculations.
During the 1950s, he and co-workers
developed a complete theory of the
formation of the chemical elements
in the universe. (Their paper opens
with the above quote from Shakespeare's
King Lear.) An extensive series of
neutron capture measurements performed
at the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator
since the 1970s further substantiated
the theory. Other research conducted
at national laboratories using reactions
involving unstable nuclei also has
contributed to understanding of the
inner workings of astrophysical objects.
Scientific Impact:
This work has yielded fundamental
understanding of the chemical evolution
of the galaxy and formation and age
of the solar system. Fowler's theory
remains the basis of knowledge in
this field, and recent progress in
nuclear physics and space research
has further confirmed its correctness.
Social Impact: Scientists
now know that half of the chemical
elements heavier than iron were synthesized
in Red Giant stars and dispersed throughout
the galaxy as stardust blown by stellar
winds. These elements are essential
to human life; in other words, humans
are made of stardust.
Reference: "Synthesis
of the Elements in Stars," E. M. Burbidge
et al., Rev. Mod. Phys. 29:
547 (1957).
URL:
http://library.thinkquest.org/17940/texts/nucleosynthesis/nucleosynthesis.html
Technical Contact:
Dr. Gene Henry, gene.henry@science.doe.gov
Press Contact: Jeff
Sherwood, DOE Office of Public Affairs,
202-586-5806
SC-Funding Office:
Office of High Energy and Nuclear
Physics |
