The 'rapid' neutron capture process that creates the other half of elements heavier than iron, occurring in extremely neutron-rich environments like supernovae and neutron star mergers where neutron capture happens faster than radioactive decay.
From 'rapid' neutron capture process, contrasted with the 'slow' (s-process). Coined in the same 1957 paper that established our understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis and element formation.
The r-process happens so fast it's like a nuclear explosion in slow motion—neutrons are captured faster than atoms can decay! This creates superheavy, unstable isotopes that then decay into the gold, platinum, and uranium we find on Earth today.
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