Exploring the origins of the elements Dr Annika Lennarz, TRIUMF

The mystery of our cosmic origins has captivated humankind for centuries. At the heart of this grand puzzle lies a profound question: how were the very elements that make up our world—and are essential to life itself—first created? Many of these building blocks were forged in the fiery cores of stars through powerful nuclear reactions. But how do these processes unfold, and how did these elements journey from distant stars to Earth?

At TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator center, scientists are delving into these cosmic mysteries using the DRAGON (Detector of Recoils And Gammas Of Nuclear reactions) recoil separator. This state-of-the-art instrument allows researchers to study the nuclear reactions responsible for element formation in stellar environments. By recreating the nuclear fusion reactions that happen in the extreme conditions inside stars, DRAGON allows us to measure reaction rates with high precision, shedding light on the cosmic origins of elements. These insights refine our understanding of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, bringing us closer to answering fundamental questions about the universe and our place in it.

This webinar is part of the Binding Blocks Nuclear Physics Masterclasses. GCSE and A-level students (or equivalent) can register to attend the full masterclasses by contacting physics-bindingblocks@york.ac.uk. The webinars are open to all.