A meteorite that recently fell to the EarthEarth was found to contain evidence of the existence earlier in its history of a short-lived radioactive isotope of aluminum,²⁶Al,which can be produced only under extremely energetic conditions and in nuclear reactions.What conclusion can be drawn from this observation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of ²⁶Al in the meteorite indicates that it was produced in a nuclear reaction under extremely energetic conditions. This can occur in a supernova explosion, where the energy released can create heavy elements like ²⁶Al. Since the meteorite contains evidence of this isotope, it suggests that it was present when the meteorite was formed, and hence, a supernova explosion occurred near the Sun at that time.

A Meteorite That Recently Fell to the EarthEarth Was Found