The previously unknown nucleus aluminum-20 has been observed for the first time by detecting its in-flight decays. Three-proton emission from aluminium-20. Image credit: Xiaodong Xu. Currently, more than 3,300 nuclides are known, yet fewer than 300 are stable and exist naturally. The remainder are unstable nuclides that undergo radioactive decay. Common decay modes, such as α decay, β- decay, β+ decay, electron capture, γ radiation, and fission,...
