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What is the distribution of chemical elements in the universe?

Nucleosynthesis

Stellar nucleosynthesis

Extraterrestrial materials

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The distribution of chemical elements in the universe is the result of complex evolutionary processes . The lightest elements, such as hydrogen, helium, and lithium, were formed in the first seconds after the birth of the universe . These elements were then used by the first stars to create heavier elements through nuclear fusion, enriching the universe . Subsequent generations of stars continued to synthesize heavy elements throughout their lives and during their deaths in supernova explosions . The recent discovery of the fusion of neutron stars also revealed the formation of superheavy elements up to gold and uranium . Spectroscopic observations of distant cosmological sources suggest that the chemical abundance of the universe remains approximately solar, even at high redshifts . Measurements of elemental abundances in stars provide valuable insights into nucleosynthesis and chemical evolution .

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Open access•Journal Article•DOI Stellar elemental abundances constraining nucleosynthesis and chemical evolution of the universe Wako Aoki 01 Jan 2022-Epj Web of Conferences	The paper provides an overview of the distribution of elemental abundances in the low metallicity range, focusing on α-elements, iron-peak elements, and neutron-capture elements in metal-poor stars. However, it does not provide a comprehensive distribution of chemical elements in the universe.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Cosmic origin of the chemical elements rarety in nuclear astrophysics Elisabeth Vangioni, M. Casse - Show less +1 more 01 Jan 2017-Frontiers in Life Science 3 Citations	The distribution of chemical elements in the universe is approximately 70% hydrogen, 28% helium, and only about 2% by mass of all the other elements.
Reference Entry•DOI Chemistry in Space Dieter Rehder 13 Apr 2012 5 Citations	The relative abundances of the elements in the universe do not vary greatly from one region to another, except for Earth.
Journal Article•DOI Chemical Elements in Space A. A. Lutovinov 01 Mar 2020-Herald of the Russian Academy of Sciences	The paper discusses the production and abundance of elements in the Universe, including hydrogen, helium, lithium, and heavier elements synthesized by stars and supernovae. However, it does not provide a specific distribution of chemical elements in the Universe.

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