"Knowledge of how elements are produced helps us understand how the universe has evolved since the Big Bang," said Steve Federman, an astronomer at the University of Toledo in Ohio. "Cosmic-ray spallation is believed to be the most important process leading to the production of light elements."

Cosmic spallation reactions occur when rays of "mainly protons traveling near the speed of light" break apart nuclei of larger elements like carbon that are present in interstellar space, explained Federman.

Most of the heavier elements in the universe are thought to come from within stars. Since the temperatures at which these heavier elements form is so high, astronomers have determined that lighter elements -- which would be destroyed in the heat -- must form elsewhere.

Federman and his colleagues made numerous observations of lithium and boron using the Hubble Space Telescope and the McDonald Observatory at the University of Texas. Their most recent findings show that a significant amount of lithium continues to form today as a result of cosmic-ray spallation.

Despite this finding, much research in this field remains to be done. "Although we confirmed a basic tenet of current models for light-element synthesis, the picture is as yet incomplete," said Federman.

He and his colleagues are planning further observations with the Hubble Space Telescope to enhance their results.