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Published November 23, 1984 | public
Journal Article

The Quest for the Origin of the Elements

Abstract

All life on Earth depends on the energy in sunlight, which comes initially from the nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium deep in the solar interior. But the sun did not produce the chemical elements which are found in the earth and in our bodies. The first two elements and their stable isotopes, hydrogen and helium, emerged from the first few minutes of the early high-temperature, high-density stage of the expanding Universe, the so-called big bang.

Additional Information

© 1984 American Association for the Advancement of Science. My work in nuclear astrophysics has involved collaborative team work with many people, and I am especially grateful to F. Ajzenberg-Selove, J. Audouze, C. A. Barnes, E. M. Burbidge, G. R. Burbidge, G. R. Caughlan, R. F. Christy, D. D. Clayton, G. M. Fuller, J. L. Greenstein, F. Hoyle, J. Humblet, R. W. Kavanagh, S. E. Koonin, C. C. Lauritsen, T. Lauritsen, D. N. Schramm, T. A. Tombrello, R. V. Wagoner, G. J. Wasserburg, W. Whaling, S. E. Woosley, and B. A. Zimmerman. For aid and helpful cooperation in all aspects of my scientific work, especially in the preparation of publications, I am grateful to E. Gibbs, J. Rasmussen, K. Stapp, M. Watson, and E. Wood. I acknowledge support for my research over the years by the Office of Naval Research (1946 to 1970) and by the National Science Foundation (1968 to present).

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
October 20, 2023