This is the slowest radioactive decay ever spotted

Science News ^ | 4/24/19 | Maria Temming

[LibWhacker]

It takes 1 trillion times the age of the universe for a xenon-124 sample to shrink by half

For the first time, researchers have directly observed an exotic type of radioactive decay called two-neutrino double electron capture.

The decay, seen in xenon-124 atoms, happens so sparingly that it would take 18 sextillion years (18 followed by 21 zeros) for a sample of xenon-124 to shrink by half, making the decay extremely difficult to detect. The long-anticipated observation of two-neutrino double electron capture, reported in the April 25 Nature, lays the groundwork for researchers to glimpse a yet unseen, even rarer version of this decay: neutrinoless double electron capture.

Observing that process would confirm that subatomic particles called neutrinos are their own antimatter particles, which could help resolve the mystery of why our universe is made almost entirely of matter, rather than antimatter (SN: 3/17/18, p. 14).

“It’s been quite the buzz within the community that this result is coming out,” says Lindley Winslow, a physicist at MIT not involved in the work.

[Bob434]

[[Well I guess that quantum theory axiom really equates to nothing is impossible.]]

I disagree- with my ex girlfriend it’s impossible to get her to admit she was wrong

I dated Miss right- i just didn’t realize her first name was always

[Berlin_Freeper]

The Firm-Radioactive
https://youtu.be/3973tfsllqw

[Nateman]

Each atom has that chance .Since you have around 10 ^ 23 atoms in a typical handful that means a few decays every second. I know with Bismuth they had to watch a sample for about a week to even see one decay.

[fso301]

How do you get a gig setting around waiting 16 septillion years to watch a neutrino get recaptured?

Just hope it doesn't happen when you're on a restroom break.

[fso301]

the implication of altering the decay rate could be that we can speed up dangerous radioactive decay in a controlled environment and therefore render safe, formerly radioactive waste.

Its called a breeder reactor... a multi-fuel nuclear reactor.

[Do the math]

One can only hope. Quantum mechanics is the only class that I had to suspend all belief in reality in order too pass. I want a cat girl.

[BrandtMichaels]

If only these ‘scientists’ would state all of their assumptions then the rest of us might be able to point out where they are going off the rails.

For instance, they want long ages and uniform decay rates to be the correct answer. They claim a volcanic eruption or lightning can ‘reset’ these radio isotope clocks. So more than likely these types of extreme events are speeding up their ‘uniform’ clocks by millions, billions or even trillions of apparent years.

[Mr. K]

That’s how I usually do it

[DungeonMaster]

two-neutrino double electron capture<<< Doubles as a great name for a band.

2neut for short.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Fat, drunk and neutrinoless is no way to go through life, son.

[Manly Warrior]

So, in so many words, it doesn’t decay....

[NativeSon]

That’s why we need open borders - only undocumented physicists will do the work!

[trebb]

Maybe they can make teeth from it - no decay and a glow in the dark smile...

[Redcitizen]

They’re so fast, they were served before you even asked.