Nucleosynthesis
The r-Process
The rapid capture of neutrons that forges the heaviest elements — gold, platinum, the lanthanides, and uranium. It demands an intense flood of neutrons in a fraction of a second, conditions found when two neutron stars merge, an origin confirmed by the kilonova that followed the 2017 gravitational-wave event GW170817.
Highlights
- ›Where gold and uranium are made
Stars, stages & concepts
Knowledge connections
- Associated withKilonova
- Associated withBinary Neutron Star Merger
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.