Many heavy elements were produced in a spectacular event: the collision of neutron stars.

The Alchemy of Neutron Star Collisions PBS Space Time

Premiered June 06, 2019
The Alchemy of Neutron Star Collisions

Carl Sagan’s famous words: “We are star stuff” refers to a mind-blowing idea – that most atomic nuclei in our bodies were created in the nuclear furnace and the explosive deaths of stars that lived in the ancient universe. Many heavy elements - includes most precious metals - were produced in an even more spectacular event: the collision of neutron stars.

About the Program

PBS Space Time

PBS Space Time explores the outer reaches of space, the craziness of astrophysics, the possibilities of sci-fi, and anything else you can think of beyond Planet Earth. Host Matt O'Dowd breaks down both the basic and incredibly complex sides of space and time.

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