Deep-Sea and Lunar Radioisotopes from Nearby Astrophysical Explosions
Date
2023
Authors
Fields, Brian D.
Wallner, Anton
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Volume Title
Publisher
Annual Reviews, Inc.
Abstract
Live (not decayed) radioisotopes on the Earth and Moon are messengers from recent nearby astrophysical explosions. Measurements of 60Fe in deep-sea samples, Antarctic snow, and lunar regolith reveal two pulses about 3 Myr and 7 Myr ago. Detection of 244Pu in a deep-sea crust indicates a recent r-process event. We review the ultrasensitive accelerator mass spectrometry techniques that enable these findings. We then explore the implications for astrophysics, including supernova nucleosynthesis, particularly the r-process, as well as supernova dust production and the formation of the Local Bubble that envelops the Solar System. The implications go beyond nuclear physics and astrophysics to include studies of heliophysics, astrobiology, geology, and evolutionary biology.
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Keywords
supernovae, nucleosynthesis, r-process, accelerator mass spectrometry
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Source
Annual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science
Type
Journal article
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Access Statement
Open Access
License Rights
Creative Commons Attribution licence
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