Cerium, a rare Earth metal with crucial technological applications, has long puzzled scientists when it comes to its synthesis in stars. The recent study by the n_TOF collaboration at CERN shed new light on this mystery, revealing unexpected findings that challenge existing theories regarding the production of cerium and other heavy elements in the universe.
One of the key findings of the study was the identification of nuclear resonances never before observed in the energy range relevant to cerium production in stars. This discovery was made possible by the high-energy resolution of the experimental apparatus at CERN and the use of a pure sample of cerium 140. The study focused on the nuclear reaction of cerium 140 with a neutron to produce isotope 141, a process crucial for the synthesis of heavy elements in stars.
The results of the study have significant astrophysical implications, indicating a 20% reduction in the contribution of the slow neutron capture process to the abundance of cerium in the universe. This discrepancy between theoretical models and observational data suggests a need for a paradigm shift in our understanding of cerium nucleosynthesis. The new data challenges existing calculations of stellar evolution and calls for the consideration of additional physical processes in the synthesis of heavy elements.
Moreover, the findings from the CERN study have broader implications for our understanding of the chemical evolution of galaxies. The discrepancies in cerium abundance observed in stars like those in the M22 globular cluster in the Sagittarius constellation raise questions about the accuracy of current nuclear databases. The new data, with a 5% higher accuracy in measuring cross-sections, points towards a need to reevaluate our models of stellar evolution and the production of heavier elements in the universe.
The study by the n_TOF collaboration at CERN has provided valuable insights into the production of cerium in stars and its implications for the chemical evolution of galaxies. The discovery of new nuclear resonances and the revised understanding of the slow neutron capture process challenge our existing theories and call for a reevaluation of the mechanisms responsible for the synthesis of heavy elements in the universe. Further research in this area is essential to deepen our understanding of the cosmic processes that shape the composition of the universe.