Scientists discovered Phosphorus for the first time in the cosmic leftovers from the supernova - Cassiopeia A – explosion. The study was published in a science journal on 13 December 2013.
The discovery of Phosphorus confirmed that massive exploding stars are crucibles in which the element is created. Phosphorus is 100 times more abundant in the remains of a supernova than elsewhere in the galaxy.
Abundance of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur has been measured in supernova remnants before. Now supernova remnant Cassiopeia A revealed the first measurement of the relatively scarce phosphorus.
These five elements are essential to life and can only be created in massive stars. They are scattered throughout our galaxy when the star explodes and become part of other stars, planets and humans.
The observations of the object were made with a spectrograph mounted on a telescope at Palomar Observatory at the California Institute of Technology.
Scientist said that Cassiopeia A exploded 300 years ago.
About Phosphorus:
- Phosphorus is an essential component of living systems and it is found in nervous tissue, bones and cell protoplasm.
- Phosphorus used in the manufacture of safety matches, pyrotechnics, incendiary shells, smoke bombs.
- Phosphorus used in pesticides and also in the production of special glasses.
- Na3PO4 is important as a cleaning agent, water softener and for preventing boiler scale and corrosion of pipes and boiler tubes
- Phosphorus found in food items are pumpkin, soya foods, cheese, nuts like badam and fish.
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