2007-10-19 05:33:55 · 2 answers · asked by LuvPnk 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
There is only one possibility:
- Neutron capture from 26Mg12 -> 26Al13, Mg has a very low capture cross section but, because the half-life of 26Al is so great, high concentrations of the isotope have been found.
The other normal paths of beta and E.C. decay from higher and lower isotopes do not reach 26Al:
- P30 does not exhibit alpha decay.
- Al27 is stable
.
2007-10-19 06:23:41 · answer #1 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the theory is that the asteroid that landed in New Mexico was subjected to intense radioactivity early in it's formation next to our sun. While the rock probably spent a lot of time in the asteroid belt, or just wandering in eccentric orbits about our solar system, it's actual formation/origination was very close to the sun when it flashed into a star.
2007-10-19 12:52:51 · answer #2 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋