‘Missing’ element gives planet birth clues

Davis, Calif. (UPI) Feb 24, 2011 A search for a missing metal in the Earth could help scientists understand the early stages of planet formation, U.S. researchers say. Scientists studying the element chromium have known for years that the element’s isotopes are relatively underrepresented in the Earth’s mantle and crust, and the question has been whether they were volatile and disappeared into space in the planet’s ear

URL: http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Missing_element_gives_planet_birth_clues_999.html