What is the heaviest element that a supernova can produce?

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SUMMARY

The heaviest element produced by a supernova is theorized to be element 118, known as Oganesson, which was synthesized in 2002. While Uranium is the heaviest natural element observable on Earth due to its stability, supernovae create extreme conditions that allow for the formation of super heavy elements with short half-lives. Current astrophysical research suggests that while the exact heaviest element remains speculative, the dynamics of supernovae provide a framework for understanding potential element formation beyond those currently known.

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  • Explore the properties and implications of Oganesson (element 118)
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seerongo
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As I understand it, Uranium is the heaviest "natural" element that is still observable on Earth because of it's stability, but what is the heaviest element that may have ever been produced by a supernova regardless of stability?
 
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Super heavy elements have short half-lives, and currently the heaviest known element is 118, so we can assume it can be produced in a supernova explosion since the conditions there are more extreme than in the lab.
 
Thanks for the reply. I see that 118 was synthesized (in 2002 or so?) I guess I was wondering if anyone has calculated a theoretical element number that could possibly be formed in a large supernova. I know this is a bit general, but astrophysicists have learned a lot about the dynamics of supernovae and I thought that maybe there is some educated speculation on the subject.
 

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