Historical Events tagged with "elements"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Science & Technology

Nihonium Naming Ceremony in Tokyo

March 14th, 2017 8 years ago

A ceremonial event was held in Tokyo to honor the naming of the chemical element nihonium, symbolized as Nh. The event featured the attendance of then Crown Prince Naruhito, emphasizing the importance of scientific discovery in Japan. The element, which was officially recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, was named after the country, reflecting pride in national achievement in nuclear chemistry.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

New Elements Moscovium, Tennessine, and Oganesson Added

March 2nd, 2017 8 years ago

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry announced the official naming of three newly discovered elements—Moscovium (Mc), Tennessine (Ts), and Oganesson (Og)—during a conference in Moscow, Russia. This decision finalized the recognition of these elements that signify significant advances in the field of chemistry and synthetic element discovery. Scientists from various institutions contributed to the research leading to the discovery and identification of these heavy elements, derived from collaborations between American and Russian scientists.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Naming Ceremony for Tennessine Element

January 27th, 2017 8 years ago

A ceremony was held in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to officially name the chemical element tennessine, after the state of Tennessee. Researchers and nuclear physicists gathered to honor the contributions of Tennessee's scientific community in the discovery of this recently confirmed element. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of various laboratories involved in the element's synthesis, showcasing the importance of scientific research and teamwork in modern chemistry.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

First Synthesis of Meitnerium in Germany

August 29th, 1982 42 years ago

Meitnerium, a synthetic element with atomic number 109, was first synthesized at the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung (GSI) in Darmstadt, Germany. Researchers Albert Ghiorso, Glenn T. Seaborg, and their team were able to create this element by bombarding bismuth with heavy ions of iron. The successful synthesis marked a significant milestone in the field of nuclear chemistry and expanded the periodic table.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Synthesis of Lawrencium at UC Berkeley

February 14th, 1961 64 years ago

Lawrencium, element 103, was first synthesized by a team led by Albert Ghiorso at the University of California, Berkeley. The new element was created by bombarding californium with boron ions, resulting in the discovery of this heavy element. This synthesis was part of ongoing research into transuranium elements and contributed to the understanding of heaviest elements in the periodic table. The experiment showcased the advancements in nuclear chemistry and the capabilities at the university's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Discovery of Californium by UC Berkeley

March 17th, 1950 74 years ago

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, announced the synthesis of californium, element 98, which was named after California. Led by chemists Albert Ghiorso, Glenn T. Seaborg, and Emilio Segrè, the team achieved this via neutron bombardment of curium in a cyclotron. The creation of californium not only expanded the periodic table but also opened new avenues in research, particularly in nuclear science and applications in medicine and industry.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Henri Moissan Isolates Elemental Fluorine

June 26th, 1886 138 years ago

Henri Moissan achieved the isolation of elemental fluorine in 1886 using electrolysis, marking a significant breakthrough in chemistry. Conducted in his laboratory in Paris, this accomplishment was facilitated by his innovative techniques for purifying and handling the highly reactive gas, which had been a challenge for many chemists before him. Moissan's success opened new avenues for chemical research and industrial applications, as fluorine is critical for various compounds, including refrigerants and pharmaceuticals.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Dmitri Mendeleev's First Periodic Table Presentation

March 6th, 1869 156 years ago

Dmitri Mendeleev introduced his periodic table to the Russian Chemical Society in St. Petersburg, showcasing the organization of chemical elements based on atomic mass and properties. His innovative table not only represented a significant advancement in chemistry but also predicted undiscovered elements. Mendeleev's framework allowed scientists to see the relationships among elements and set the cornerstone for modern chemical science.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Pierre Janssen Discovers Helium in Solar Spectrum

August 18th, 1868 156 years ago

French astronomer Pierre Janssen, while observing the solar spectrum during a total solar eclipse in Guntur, India, discovered a new element. Upon analyzing the light emitted by the sun, he identified a spectral line that did not correspond to any known element at the time, which was later confirmed to be helium. This unexpected discovery was significant, expanding our understanding of elemental composition in celestial bodies.

Continue Reading