Researchers have now identified the first signs of nuclear fission in the cosmos, something that has baffled scientists since the 1950s.

Scientists from Los Alamos National Laboratory and North Carolina State University have uncovered compelling evidence of nuclear fission occurring in the cosmos, specifically during the merger of neutron stars. This discovery challenges long-held beliefs and opens a new chapter in our understanding of heavy element formation in the universe.

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing significant amounts of energy. This process plays a crucial role in generating the energy that sustains a star’s luminosity.

Replicating nuclear fusion on Earth involves overcoming challenges such as creating and maintaining the extreme temperatures and pressures required for fusion reactions, achieving stable plasma confinement, and developing materials that can withstand harsh conditions within a fusion reactor.

“The only plausible way this can arise among different stars is if there is a consistent process operating during the formation of the heavy elements,” Mumpower said. “This is incredibly profound and is the first evidence of fission operating in the cosmos, confirming a theory we proposed several years ago.”

“As we’ve acquired more observations, the cosmos is saying, ‘hey, there’s a signature here, and it can only come from fission.’”

Neutron stars are created when massive stars reach the end of their fuel supplies necessary for intrinsic nuclear fusion processes, which means the energy that has been supporting them against the inward push of their own gravity ceases. As the outer layers of these dying stars are blown away, the stellar cores with masses between one and two times that of the sun collapse into a width of around 12 miles (20 kilometers).

Rolls-Royce displayed a conceptual model design of a nuclear Space Micro-Reactor at the UK Space Conference that may one day power Moon settlers.