In 1957, a paper was published in Reviews of Modern Physics that changed astrophysics at its core. Well, we say "paper" — it was more of a tome: a hundred pages of research and review that laid out in detail how the elements of the periodic table are made in nuclear processes in stars and supernovae. The authors — Margaret and Geoffrey Burbidge, William Fowler and Fred Hoyle — are all legendary figures in astrophysics. The last of the authors, Margaret Burbidge, died on 5 April 2020 at the age of 100. We look back on the lives and contributions to astronomy of this great quartet of scientists, focussing on their pivotal B-squared-F-H paper.
Want to help us make Syzygy even better?
Tell your friends and give us a review,
or show your support on Patreon:
patreon.com/syzygypod
Huge thanks to our patrons, listed over on the
Cosmic Great Wall of Gratitude
Special Event! Syzygy Live at the Festival of Ideas — Friday 12 June, 8-9pm UK time. All the details at the website.
Help us make Syzygy even better! Tell your friends and give us a review, or show your support on Patreon: patreon.com/syzygypod
Syzygy is produced by Chris Stewart and co-hosted by Dr Emily Brunsden from the Department of Physics at the University of York.
On the web: syzygy.fm | Twitter: @syzygypod
Things we talked about in this episode:
The BBFH paper
P-P chain reaction
The Hot CNO cycle
Margaret Burbidge obituary, 5 April 2020
Geoffrey Burbidge obituary, 6 Feb 2010