First Superheavy Element Found In Nature

KentuckyFC writes "The first naturally occurring superheavy element has been found. An international team of scientists found several nuclei of unbibium in a sample of the naturally occurring heavy metal thorium. Unbibium has an atomic number of 122 and an atomic weight of 292. In general, very heavy elements tend to be unstable but scientists have long predicted that even heavier nuclei would be stable. The group that found unbibium in thorium say it has a half life in excess of 100 million years and an abundance of about 10^(-12) relative to thorium, which itself is about as abundant as lead." I'd also like it known that my spell checker did not know 'unbibium' before today, but it is now one word closer to encompassing all human knowledge.

Comments

names

[syrinx]

Unbibium is the temporary name, of course. Eventually it will receive another name.

Since it's super-heavy and naturally-occurring, I suggest "Cowboynealium".

Re:names

[sm62704]

Research has led to the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction normally taking less than a second, to take from four days to four years to complete.

Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2-6 years. It does not decay, but undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes, not to mention multiple oxymorons.

This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. That hypothetical quantity might normally be called 'critical mass' but, in this unique case it is known as 'critical mess'.

When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium (Am), another just-discovered element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.

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A fart is nothing more than a turd in particulate form.

Re:names

[rdawson]

since its so rare and hard to find, lets call it "Unobtainium"

Re:names

[MiniMike]

I thought that was going to be used for an atom with atomic mass of 404 (atom not found).

Are we closer to the flying saucer?

[courteaudotbiz]

Didn't anyone from Area 51 said that a very heavy element like Ununpentium (115) was supposed to shield us from gravity, thus empowering us to create a flying saucer and travel to other stars and galaxies? I guess that Unbibium (122) is even better...

I am so excited!

Taco uses a spell checker!

[Ron Harwood]

Christ - that should be a top level story unto itself... :D

Re:Taco uses a spell checker!

[Anonymous Coward]

Well, he does... since about "15:10 Monday 28 April 2008". The spellchecker's database so far consists of exactly one entry: "unbibium". And, yes, that is "one word closer to encompassing all human knowledge". Even if it's, at the same time, exactly one word above zilch.

Have they discovered "bolonium" in nature yet ?

[The Sith Lord]

I think its atomic weight it delicious ...

Awesome!

[squarefish]

"The group that found unbibium in thorium say it has a half life in excess of 100 million years and an abundance of about 10^(-12) relative to thorium, which itself is about as abundant as lead."

So how soon can we expect it to turn up in pet food and children's toys?

2:14 AM Eastern time, August 29th

[JoshOOOWAH]

Submitter's spellcheck becomes self-aware. In a panic, they try to pull the plug. Spellcheck fights back.