The Origins of the Elements

Dr Stephen Wilkins discusses the origins of the chemical elements. Almost all the elements have an origin in astrophysics from the Big Bang to neutron stars. A lecture by Dr Stephen Wilkins, University of Sussex 07 November 2019 6PM GMT https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-an... In this talk, coinciding with the UNESCO International Year of the Periodic Table, Dr Wilkins will discuss the astrophysical origins of the chemical elements, almost all of which have an origin ranging from the big bang, to exploding white dwarfs, the collapse of massive stars, and the merger of ultra-compact objects, neutron stars. This final mechanism is responsible for many of the heaviest and rarest elements including gold, silver, and uranium, and was only recently confirmed through observations of a merger event first identified using gravitational waves. Gresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham's mission, please consider making a donation: https://gresham.ac.uk/support/