"Breakthrough Simulations Illuminate the Complex Structure of Carbon's Nucleus"

A collaborative study involving Forschungszentrum Jülich, Michigan State University, and the University of Bonn has used advanced simulations to reveal the internal structure of a carbon atom's nucleus, confirming the existence of the Hoyle state, which is crucial for carbon formation in stars. The research utilized a three-dimensional lattice for calculations, requiring five million processor hours on the JEWELS supercomputer. The findings show that protons and neutrons in the carbon nucleus are arranged in clusters, providing new insights into nuclear physics and the elemental evolution of the universe.