ClassX Video Lessons How astronomy makes neuroscience even cooler: brains, gold, and neutron stars | Michelle Thaller
The universe is a vast and intricate collection of elements and atoms, many of which are found in our own bodies. While there are various theories about where these atoms originated, scientific observations provide us with a clearer picture. A key question that intrigues many is: how did the atoms in our bodies come to be?
Around 13 billion years ago, the universe was a very different place. By studying distant galaxies, scientists can look back in time to a period shortly after the Big Bang, about 400,000 years later. At that time, the universe was mostly made up of hot hydrogen gas, with traces of helium and lithium. This isn’t just a theory; it’s supported by solid observational evidence.
By observing galaxies billions of light-years away, we can see how the universe’s chemistry has evolved. Larger atoms like oxygen, carbon, and calcium—essential for life—are formed in the cores of stars through a process called nuclear fusion. This process starts with hydrogen atoms, which were created during the Big Bang. Stars fuse these hydrogen atoms to form more complex atoms.
While stars can create many large atoms, some elements, such as gold, require even more extreme conditions to form. The temperatures and energies needed to produce these heavy elements are beyond what massive stars can typically provide. This leads us to wonder: what can create these heavy atoms?
Recent discoveries have provided answers. When two neutron stars—remnants of massive stars—collide, they produce an explosion much more powerful than a typical supernova. This event, known as a hypernova or gamma-ray burst, releases immense energy and creates heavy elements like gold, platinum, and bismuth.
Observations show that these neutron star collisions happen frequently, about once a day. The amount of gold produced in each explosion is so vast that it accounts for all the gold in the universe. This means the gold in our jewelry and the small amounts necessary for our biological functions originate from these cosmic events.
Interestingly, our bodies need a tiny amount of gold for proper brain function. Gold is crucial for the electrical activity of neurons, helping our brains process information and enabling thought. Thus, the atoms in our bodies, including the gold in our jewelry, are deeply connected to the dramatic events of colliding neutron stars.
In conclusion, the atoms that make up our bodies have a rich history, rooted in the universe’s processes that began billions of years ago. This connection between our existence and the cosmos is profound, highlighting the intricate web of life and matter that links us to the stars.
Create a timeline that traces the journey of atoms from the Big Bang to their presence in the human body. Use digital tools or poster boards to illustrate key events such as the Big Bang, star formation, and neutron star collisions. This will help you visualize the chronological development of elements in the universe.
Engage in a structured debate with your peers about the processes of nuclear fusion in stars versus neutron star collisions in forming elements. This activity will deepen your understanding of how different cosmic events contribute to the diversity of elements found in the universe.
Choose a cosmic event, such as a supernova or a neutron star collision, and research its role in element formation. Prepare a short presentation to share your findings with the class, focusing on how these events contribute to the elements found in our bodies.
Participate in a computer-based simulation that models nuclear fusion in stars. This hands-on activity will allow you to experiment with different conditions and observe how elements like carbon and oxygen are formed, enhancing your understanding of stellar processes.
Write a reflective essay exploring the connection between the atoms in your body and their cosmic origins. Consider how this knowledge impacts your perspective on human existence and our relationship with the universe. This activity encourages personal reflection and synthesis of the concepts learned.
Atoms – The basic units of matter and the defining structure of elements, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons. – In chemistry, understanding the behavior of atoms is crucial for predicting how substances will interact in a reaction.
Universe – The totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos. – Physicists study the universe to understand the fundamental laws that govern everything from subatomic particles to galaxies.
Chemistry – The branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances. – Chemistry plays a vital role in developing new materials and energy solutions for technological advancements.
Hydrogen – The lightest and most abundant chemical element, consisting of one proton and one electron, and is the primary fuel for stars. – Hydrogen is a key element in the study of nuclear fusion as a potential source of clean energy.
Stars – Astronomical objects consisting of luminous spheroids of plasma held together by gravity, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. – The lifecycle of stars provides insight into the processes of nuclear fusion and the formation of heavier elements.
Fusion – A nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy. – Fusion is the process that powers the sun and holds potential for sustainable energy production on Earth.
Elements – Substances consisting of atoms which all have the same number of protons, and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. – The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic structure and properties.
Gold – A chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79, known for its malleability, conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. – Gold’s unique properties make it valuable for use in electronics and as a standard for monetary systems.
Neutron – A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with no electric charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton. – Neutrons play a crucial role in the stability of atomic nuclei and the process of nuclear fission.
Collisions – Interactions between particles or bodies in which energy and momentum are transferred, often studied to understand fundamental forces and reactions. – Particle accelerators are used to study high-energy collisions that reveal the properties of subatomic particles.
