Now, this is neat: A superheavy element (Z=122, A=292, tentatively named "eka-Thorium" or "unbibium") which is relatively stable (t1/2 ≥ 108 yr) has been observed in nature, in natural Thorium samples. (It's called eka-Thorium because it would sit directly below Thorium on the periodic table; as a result, it's chemically very similar to Thorium, which means it can mix in to Thorium ores and stick there because it doesn't separate very easily)
This is a whole 30 atomic numbers above the next-largest naturally occurring element, Uranium. (Z=92, A=238) It's the first empirical proof that superheavy nuclei can actually exist and be stable.
Edit: Some history - the last time an element was discovered in nature was Francium (Z=87), which was discovered in 1939 by Marguerite Perey. It was thought highly likely that that would be the last time anyone ever did.
I think the best way to explain it in terms of legos.
Imagine that you had a bunch of legos, and you could order as many more as you wanted . . . but only of the types you already had. No new special shapes, no new gizmos, just the same stuff. For years. And then someone shows up with entire new types of legos.
April 28 2008, 18:14:39 UTC 7 years ago
Imagine that you had a bunch of legos, and you could order as many more as you wanted . . . but only of the types you already had. No new special shapes, no new gizmos, just the same stuff. For years. And then someone shows up with entire new types of legos.
April 28 2008, 20:13:13 UTC 7 years ago