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Scientists Discover Lightest Astatine Isotope, Revealing Nuclear Mysteries

9/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers identified a new astatine isotope, the lightest known, with 85 protons and 103 neutrons.
This isotope decays through proton emission, a rare decay method.
The study reveals the nucleus's prolate spheroid shape, indicating complexities in nuclear physics.
Additional observations of isotopes 188At and 189At are necessary for further understanding.

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Story summary

Researchers identified a new astatine isotope, the lightest known, with 85 protons and 103 neutrons.
This isotope decays through proton emission, a rare decay method.
The study reveals the nucleus's prolate spheroid shape, indicating complexities in nuclear physics.
Additional observations of isotopes 188At and 189At are necessary for further understanding.