What is the Significance of Isotopes in Astrophysics?
Isotopes are variants of elements with different numbers of neutrons. They play a significant role in astrophysics by providing information about the age and history of celestial objects. For instance, the ratio of different isotopes of carbon and oxygen in a star can reveal its age and the processes it has undergone. Isotopic analysis is also crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems.