We know only 1% of the chemical composition of the universe

All the knowledge currently based on human history forces us to admit that we still know very little about the place where we live. Things get even murkier when we turn our gaze to our intergalactic neighbor.

The possibilities of atomic arrangements are endless, but we know only a very limited part of the whole. Some argue that our knowledge of the different molecular descriptions of the universe is no more than 1%.

So how is this possible if we have already gone into space to collect samples and have already mapped part of the solar system’s environment? The reality shows that we have a superficial idea of ​​how things are organized in the macro world, whereas in the molecular world we barely know where to start.

too temporary to be seen

When we look at the periodic table of 118 elements, we may think that we have already discovered all the existing elements. However, although new elements are not discovered every day, researchers are investigating the possibilities of new combinations, decay patterns, and ways to make elements whose lifetimes are measured in milliseconds more stable.

Fact is that, Although they are catalogued, the molecular structures of some elements have not even been mapped.. This makes it difficult to detect and understand how these elements might have practical uses or the effects of interactions between these elements and biological organisms.

If measuring instruments were not sensitive enough to detect their presence, they would perhaps remain hidden much longer.

Another obstacle to learning more about the universe is our comparative list, which consists primarily of the elements of the periodic table and a limited number of combinations of these elements.

We now know that this It is not enough to explain everything we observe in the chemical composition of the universeThis is because we do not know for sure what we are observing. As a result, the things we observe are also subject to distortions thanks to gravitational lenses formed by the effect of gravity that distorts time-space.

Although we have given names to the elements that make up the universe, we still do not know what it is and how it consists of dark matter and dark energy, which correspond to approximately 26.8% of the universe. This accounts for 68% of the makeup of everything we see outside the boundaries of our atmosphere.

There are even researchers who speculate that a specific periodic table should be formulated for the currently unknown elements. This is a new world of chemistry under construction and fostering a new science in constant change.

But why can’t we see this here?

Pressure, temperature and attention. There are very specific temperature and pressure conditions on Earth. Although there will be variation depending on altitude and latitude, among other factors, we will never reach temperatures and conditions that would enable elements to form or break down, such as stars and nebulae.

Regarding affinity, some elements do not interact or bind with other molecules under normal conditions. It is possible to try to achieve this combination in the laboratory. However, these bonds are usually unstable and are broken before we even see how the bond structure was formed.

Unfortunately we can’t Creating scenarios similar to the Sun, stars and nebulae under conditions of sufficient pressure and temperature to test and simulate theoretical elements.

In theories regarding the chemical composition of the universe, the interaction and arrangement possibilities between elements are millions. But there is no evidence, no element. Moreover, due to the same difficulties in the formation of elements on Earth, it will not be possible to bring reliable samples from space.

Even if the equipment can keep elements in ideal preservation conditions throughout the journey, when we manipulate elements in the laboratory we are likely to encourage the element to decay when we open the samples, or otherwise the bonds may break.

These are all difficulties that contribute to the immaturity of our knowledge. to the point where we broadly know the chemical composition of the universe.. Moreover, the vastness of the cosmos and its unimaginable distances limit us.

The technology still needs to become more precise and sensitive so we can find new elements and fix them to the point where they can be studied widely, from structure to possible applicability, such as for uses in medicine, engineering and other fields.

Who knows, you may be one of those who solve and discover another part of the composition of the universe? There’s still so much to discover!

So do you want to know why the search for the other 99% of the elements hasn’t ended yet? Learn more about how this could contribute to finding life beyond Earth! Stay tuned to TecMundo for happy searching and updates! Until later.