When we hear the word “hydrogen” in this age, we often are plagued with the image of alternative fuels. It would surprise most citizens that hydrogen is one of the most important elements found in the universe. The Sun, its light and warmth, are the product of hydrogen. The glittering of the stars in the night is another product of hydrogen. When we look at the universe, we discover that hydrogen is much more than a fuel to make cars move or let a balloon take to the sky.
Hydrogen is called the base element, because it has the status of 1. This means the atomic form of hydrogen consists of a single proton. Protons are the positively charged particles that make up each element. In this state, the hydrogen is called a protium. Protium is a type of isotope, or the atomic state of the element. The atomic state is affected by neutrons, electrons, and temperature. Hydrogen has the ability to attach itself to just about anything because of these properties, even in space.
Stars draw hydrogen in with a massive force of gravity. Inside a star, hydrogen pulls together and enters a process of fusion, releasing helium and energy. This massive fireball of gravity is what powers life on Earth. Scientists have the greatest difficulties reproducing this effect in the lab because of the massive explosion of energy. Surprisingly enough, the fusion of hydrogen particles produces no radiation. This is the reason nuclear research is pursued so adamantly. Once the process is uncovered, we can mimic the Sun’s process and have clean energy.
Energy is another product of hydrogen is the ability to launch us into space. The mixture of oxygen and hydrogen is explosive, and is used to launch the space shuttles into space. To NASA, hydrogen research is vital. It not only provides a fuel to launch us into space, it helps astronomers understand the universe even more.
It is estimated that hydrogen makes up seventy-five percent of the matter in the universe. Gas Giants, such as Jupiter and Saturn, consist of a lot of hydrogen. Clouds of hydrogen are also believed to be the basis of the creation of stars. When a solar wind blows, the magnetic fields effect hydrogen, and can even cause aurora in our own atmosphere. While the northern lights are a product of hydrogen, the occurrence of the element in our own skies is rare.
Hydrogen is the lightest element known to man. It’s so light it can escape the Earth’s atmosphere. Our atmosphere is made up of only one third of a percent. All the hydrogen produced planet side is the product of decaying matter, which is then gathered and sold across the world. Hydrogen is a truly vital source to everything in our universe.
While hydrogen doesn’t seem like a big deal, it makes up everything! The water we drink, the fuel we burn, and the sciences that advance us all require hydrogen somewhere in the process. The night sky is peppered with the flickering of hydrogen fusions. Hydrogen is the basis of the universe, and everything in it.
