• A new model suggests high-energy photons from collapsing stars dissolve outer layers into neutrons, key to heavy element creation.
• The rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) is proposed to occur dynamically within the star due to the photon jet interaction.
• The framework may explain the origin of kilonovae associated with long-duration gamma-ray bursts.

A new study published in the Astrophysical Journal proposes a novel mechanism for the formation of heavy elements in the universe. Researchers suggest that as massive stars collapse into black holes, powerful jets of high-energy photons are launched, dissolving the star's outer layers into free neutrons. These neutrons then facilitate the rapid neutron-capture process (r-process), leading to the creation of heavy elements such as uranium and plutonium. This process could also explain the kilonovae often observed alongside long-duration gamma-ray bursts.

• What: High-energy photon jets dissolve dying stars' outer layers into free neutrons, enabling the rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) for heavy element formation.
• Who: Matthew Mumpower (Los Alamos National Laboratory physicist) and his team are the key researchers. The research involves dying stars collapsing into black holes.
• When: The process occurs as massive stars collapse when their nuclear fuel runs out. The neutron creation happens incredibly fast, on the order of a nanosecond.
• Where: The event happens in the extreme conditions surrounding collapsing stars and black holes in space.

The study presents a compelling framework for understanding the origins of heavy elements. By proposing a mechanism for dynamic neutron production within collapsing stars, it addresses the challenge of limited free neutron availability. This framework aligns with observed phenomena like kilonovae and provides testable predictions for future research. The involvement of multiple physics principles and fundamental forces indicates the complexity and potential significance of the process.

The creation of heavy elements such as uranium and plutonium necessitates extreme conditions. There are only a few viable yet rare scenarios in the cosmos where these elements can form, and all such locations need a copious amount of neutrons.

We propose a new phenomenon where those neutrons don't pre-exist but are produced dynamically in the star.

The jet blasts through the star ahead of it, creating a hot cocoon of material around the jet, like a freight train plowing through snow.

The new study offers a plausible explanation for the creation of heavy elements through a process involving high-energy photon jets in collapsing stars. This framework addresses critical questions about neutron availability and aligns with observed phenomena like kilonovae. Future research and simulations will further refine our understanding of this complex process and its implications for the composition of the universe.