Back in October of 2017, thousands of astronomers from around the globe joined together to confirm the first-ever sighting of two neutron stars colliding in space. In just one second, the “kilonova” located 130 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Hydra triggered the equivalent of 50 Earth masses of silver, 100 Earth masses of gold and 500 Earth masses of platinum.
![](https://thejewelerblog.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/heavymetals3.jpg?w=575)
The scientists estimated that the gold alone was worth more than $100 octillion. That’s $100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (1 followed by 29 zeroes).
The astronomers aimed their equipment at the super-dense kilonova, looking for the signatures of heavy metals. They recorded visible light, radio waves, X-rays and gamma rays. The data confirmed the birth of massive amounts of precious metals and seemed to put to rest the long-standing mystery of how these and other “heavy” elements are formed.
A newly published study, however, is challenging conventional wisdom and deepening the mystery.
Northwestern University researchers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study a mammoth stellar collapse were stunned when they found absolutely no evidence of heavy elements.
The collapse, first registered on October 9, 2002, resulted in the brightest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever recorded. Scientists gave it the nickname B.O.A.T. (“brightest of all time”).
“When we confirmed that the GRB was generated by the collapse of a massive star, that gave us the opportunity to test a hypothesis for how some of the heaviest elements in the universe are formed,” said Northwestern’s Peter Blanchard, who led the study.
“We did not see signatures of these heavy elements, suggesting that extremely energetic GRBs like the B.O.A.T. do not produce these elements. That doesn’t mean that all GRBs do not produce them, but it’s a key piece of information as we continue to understand where these heavy elements come from. Future observations with JWST will determine if the B.O.A.T.’s ‘normal’ cousins produce these elements.”
“This event is particularly exciting because some had hypothesized that a luminous gamma-ray burst like the B.O.A.T. could make a lot of heavy elements like gold and platinum,” added second author Ashley Villar of Harvard University and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. “If they were correct, the B.O.A.T. should have been a gold mine. It is really striking that we didn’t see any evidence for these heavy elements.”
The findings were published last week in the journal Nature Astronomy.
According to a Northwestern University press release, the powerful B.O.A.T. explosion occurred approximately 2 billion light-years from Earth, in the direction of the constellation Sagitta and lasted a few hundred seconds. It was so bright that it saturated most of the world’s gamma-ray detectors.
“The event produced some of the highest-energy photons ever recorded by satellites designed to detect gamma rays,” Blanchard said. “This was an event that Earth sees only once every 10,000 years. We are fortunate to live in a time when we have the technology to detect these bursts happening across the universe.”
Credit: Image by Aaron M. Geller / Northwestern / CIERA / IT Research Computing and Data Services.
📅 Experience elegance and history at Elliott's Jewelers Estate Jewelry Event, August 22-24! Explore timeless pieces ready to tell their next story. Preview and select your favorites (like this dazzling ring) here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and book a private appointment to see them in person. Your journey through time awaits! ✨
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Great event. Thank you Huntsville ... See MoreSee Less
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💎 Step back in time with Elliott's Jewelers at our August Estate Jewelry Event! From August 22nd to 24th, explore exquisite, historical pieces from our collection. Preview our treasures here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and reserve your private viewing appointment between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! 👑 🕰️
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Picture this: an 'Anniversary Diamond' that sparkles with brilliance and the memories of years together. Why not consider upgrading the diamond in your wedding ring this upcoming milestone anniversary?
It's a beautiful way to renew your commitment and add an extra chapter to your love story. 💖💍
We carry ONLY Natural Gemological Institute of America Certified diamonds. All shapes and sizes are available. All colors and clarities.
1.00 carat and larger diamonds are our specialty. Set your new diamond in some of our most beautiful and unique settings or custom design your dream ring.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online: www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
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Mark your milestone anniversary with a special upgrade from Elliott's Jewelers.💕 Can I make this ring for you?
As your love grows, so should your diamond. Let us craft a custom ring that celebrates your journey together. Start your timeless upgrade today.💍✨
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That is a very beautiful ring! What would something like this cost?
That’s a Beautiful ring WOW!
I no longer have anniversary’s, but it’s very pretty. Thanks for sharing. JS
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🌟 Uncover the history and beauty of estate jewelry at Elliott's Jewelers this August! Join us for our exclusive Estate Jewelry Event from August 22nd-24th. Dive into our vault here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and select pieces to view at your private appointment. Book now to secure a spot from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day and make history part of your style! 🕰️✨
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Make your old jewelry work for you! 🌟 At Elliott's Jewelers, every piece holds value. Trade in your unworn treasures for funds or upgrade to something new and sparkling. Refresh your collection today. See how far your jewelry can take you with us! 💍 Find out more: www.elliottsjewelers.com/sell-your-jewelry/
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Book an Appointment At Elliott’s Jewelers, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible appraisal for your jewelry. Our jewelry experts are trained and certified in jewelry appraisal, and ...1 CommentComment on Facebook
I have sent you pictures twice but never received a response.
🌟 Step into a world of timeless elegance with our August Estate Jewelry Event at Elliott's Jewelers! 📅 Mark your calendars: August 22nd-24th. Immerse yourself in the stories of exquisite pieces from our vault. To make this experience truly personal, we are scheduling exclusive appointments from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day.
Spaces are limited to ensure privacy and dedicated attention. 🕒 Book your appointment now and let us help you find a piece that not only enhances your collection but enriches your story.
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Gorgeous
💎 Discover timeless treasures at our August Estate Jewelry Event! Join us from August 22nd-24th at Elliott's Jewelers. Each piece has a unique story waiting to be part of yours.
Explore our exclusive collection here and book your private appointment from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention. ✨ Find your next jewel with us! See more here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories&
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Very pretty.
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Photos from Huntsville Independent School District's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Beautiful 😍
Well done!
Thank you so much for your support & for such a beautiful piece!
Elliott's Jewelers wishes you and your family a Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. Elliott's Jewelers was thrilled to be part of Mitch and Lauren Fussell's love story. Do you have an Elliott's Jewelers story too? Let's celebrate by sharing it with us so we can continue making history together! Your stories inspire us every day. 🎆
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Wish I could click the “Love” and “Wow” Buttons at the same time.