Here we go again. Upset and puzzlement over the "heavy element problem".
QuoteThe current theory that is taught to all astronomers at university is that one of the ways heavy elements - such as gold, platinum, lead and uranium - are produced is during the extreme conditions that are created during supernovas. These are spread across the galaxy and are used in the formation of planets, which is how, the theory goes, the metals found on Earth arose.
But the researchers found no evidence of heavy elements around the exploded star. So, is the theory wrong and heavy elements are produced some other way, or are they only produced in supernovas under certain conditions?
They will find a way to dismiss this evidence, of course, rather than suggest that heavy elements could be formed inside planets.
The usual fall-back is to say that all heavy elements must have been formed in the big bang...