Question: |
What is known about isotopic abundances in supernova remnants from X-rays and gamma-rays? |
Category: |
Science > Astronomy & Space |
Keywords: |
X-rays, gamma rays, isotopic abundances, supernova remnants |
Type: |
what |
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Answer:
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X-rays and gamma-rays can help us understand the isotopic abundances from supernovae. However, only for particular radioactive isotopes.
In a supernova explosion many elements and isotopes are created, mostly through the rapid process (r process). However, most of these are unstable so they decay down to a stable or more stable isotope. It is during this decay process that they give off gamma-rays. The energy of the gamma-ray will depend on the particular isotope and the process involved. These gamma-rays are observed as spectral lines within the overall spectrum.
Now a word about 1/2 life. The 1/2 life of a particular isotope is the time it takes for half of the initial quantity of the isotope to decay. So, observing a supernovae early on one can observe a number of these spectral lines, however over time they fade as there become fewer radioactive isotopes and more stable isotopes.
For example, the element Titanium 44 decays with a 1/2 life of about 70 years. The decay process gives off 1 MeV, 60 and 70 keV photons. By counting these photons, the mass of Ti 44 produced in the supernova explosion can be estimated. Source: NASA
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What is known about isotopic abundances in supernova remnants from X-rays and gamma-rays?
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