Discovered : by J.A. Marinsky and co-workers in 1945
Isolated in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
Origin : The element is named after Prometheus, who in Greek mythology stole fire from the gods.
Description :
A radioactive element whose longest lived isotope, promethium-145, has a half-life of only 18 years. It is obtained in milligram amounts from nuclear reactors, and a little is used in specialised miniature batteries.
Image :
Atlas witnesses Zeus' punishment of Prometheus. Click here to see larger version of this image.
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