However, as with all classification tools, it has its limitations.
While it’s very helpful in identifying elements, many in the universe are still unknown.
Arecent studypublished inEJP Plusdemonstrates this beautifully by looking at asteroids.
Asteroid belt illustration. (Photo: JohanSwanepoel /Depositphotos)
Specifically, they’ve been investigating the 33 Polyhymnia asteroid belt, which is located between Mars and Jupiter.
Discovered in 1854, it has an estimated mass of 75 g/cm3.
To put this into perspective, we need to explore the current periodic table and the elements it contains.
Osmium crystals (Photo: Periodictableru viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY 3.0)
Elements with an atomic number (Z) higher than 104 are considered superheavy elements.
Elements with atomic numbers between 105 and 118 are on the periodic table but have only been created experimentally.
They are radioactive and unstable, with a very short lifespan.
Elements higher than 118 have some predicted characteristics but have not yet been observed.
Its density is22.59 g/cm3, making is about twice as dense as lead.
Any object with a density higher than this is considered a compact ultradense object or CUDO.
Specifically, they are interested in an island of nuclear stability that the model predicts around Z=164.
It’s a tantalizing idea for anyone interested in precious metals and their potential usages.
