Californium-254 and Supernovae

G. R. Burbidge, F. Hoyle, E. M. Burbidge, R. F. Christy, and W. A. Fowler
Phys. Rev. 103, 1145 – Published 1 September 1956
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Abstract

It is suggested that the spontaneous fission of Cf254 with a half-life of 55 days is responsible for the form of the decay light-curves of supernovae of Type I which have an exponential form with a half-life of 55 nights. The way in which Cf254 may be synthesized in a supernova outburst, and reasons why the energy released by its decay may dominate all others are discussed. The presence of Tc in red giant stars and of Cf in Type I supernovae appears to be observational evidence that neutron capture processes on both a slow and a fast time-scale have been necessary to synthesize the heavy elements in their observed cosmic abundances.

  • Received 17 May 1956

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.103.1145

©1956 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

G. R. Burbidge and F. Hoyle*

  • Mount Wilson and Palomar Observatories, Carnegie Institution of Washington, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California

E. M. Burbidge, R. F. Christy, and W. A. Fowler

  • Kellogg Radiation Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California

  • *Normally at St. John's College, Cambridge, England.

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Issue

Vol. 103, Iss. 5 — September 1956

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