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Radioactivity in the galactic plane

Abstract

WE report here what may be the first detection by a nuclear γ-ray transition of a large concentration of interstellar radioactivity. Such a concentration of radioactivity would be expected if heavy nuclei are synthesised explosively in supernovae. We do not have sufficiently conclusive counting statistics to make an incontestible claim, but the phenomenon we have observed in the background of our measurements is tantalisingly near to theoretical expectations.

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WALRAVEN, G., HAYMES, R. Radioactivity in the galactic plane. Nature 264, 42–44 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/264042a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/264042a0

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