Are there any elements found in space but not at all on Earth?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the existence of elements found in space but not on Earth. It concludes that all naturally occurring elements, totaling 94, are present on Earth, while 24 synthetic elements do not occur naturally. Participants clarify that nanodiamonds, while unique, are composed of carbon, an element found on Earth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between naturally occurring and synthetic elements, asserting that no elements exist in space that are absent on Earth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elemental chemistry, specifically the periodic table.
  • Familiarity with nucleosynthesis processes in stars.
  • Knowledge of synthetic versus naturally occurring elements.
  • Basic comprehension of dark matter and its implications in astrophysics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of nucleosynthesis in large stars.
  • Explore the characteristics and formation of synthetic elements.
  • Investigate the role of dark matter in the universe and its potential for new elements.
  • Study the periodic table and the classification of elements based on their occurrence.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, chemists, and science enthusiasts interested in the composition of elements in the universe and their relationship to Earth.

zuz
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TL;DR
Are there any elements found in space but not at all on Earth?
Are there any elements found in space but not on Earth?
 
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I don't know, but give me five minutes on the Internet and I'll bet I could find out!
 
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What are you waiting for? I looked for about fifteen minutes and found nothing.
 
search for 'transuranic elements in spectra of type A stars' and you will get some information. What I got was outside of my understanding comfort zone -- e.g., 'process -r' -- so you can play with it on your own. My possbily wrong take: the largest stars undergo nucleosynthesis.
 
Nanodiamond. It can only be synthetically produced on earth. I do believe (:
 
zuz said:
What are you waiting for? I looked for about fifteen minutes and found nothing.
30 seconds later:

In total, 118 elements have been identified. The first 94 occur naturally on Earth, and the remaining 24 are synthetic elements.
 
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No.
@ETsmyhomeboy - nanodiamonds are carbon. Carbon is an element found on Earth. You and I have carbon atoms in us.
 
@PeroK Correct me please, but I think the OP wanted elements found in other star systems which precludes synthesis by humans on earth. And synthetic elements definitely are not found naturally occurring on Earth, I'm sure of that. So, yes on that part.
 
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jim mcnamara said:
@PeroK Correct me please, but I think the OP wanted elements found in other star systems which precludes synthesis by humans on earth. And synthetic elements definitely are not found naturally occurring on Earth, I'm sure of that. So, yes on that part.
As far as my 30 seconds research goes, all naturally occurring elements are found on Earth. There are no elements that cannot be found on Earth.
 
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  • #10
Thank you. That is what I wanted to know. Now, knowing this...the universe is a big place, and it's been around a long time. How is it that we have every possible element that was ever created here on Earth? I'm not suggesting you're wrong. It just seems a little coincidental. Could dark matter be some "new" element. I'm just throwing ideas around.
 
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  • #11
@zuz Please - no 'throwing ideas around' that gets into speculation. PF is about known Science, as in textbooks and journals. The general discussion forum here is more flexible for that. Thread closed.
 
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