New research, published in The Astrophysical Journal, has refined models of stellar explosions by precisely measuring the atomic masses of unstable isotopes phosphorus-26 and sulfur-27. Scientists from China, Germany, and Japan found these atoms play a more significant role in thermonuclear explosions on neutron stars than previously understood. This discovery suggests these explosions are faster and stronger, potentially transforming astrophysics models of element formation and cosmic events.