Gravitational waves set off a cosmic chain connecting uranium, Earth’s molten core, and human evolution, according to a 2025 study led by Bernard Schutz. The 2015 neutron star collision, GW170817, is credited with supplying heavy elements crucial for our planet’s geodynamo. “Gravitational waves carry energy away from binary star systems,” researchers wrote.

By driving neutron stars together, gravitational waves triggered kilonova explosions—spewing uranium and thorium that heat Earth’s interior. This process fuels volcanism, plate tectonics, and ultimately, the rise of intelligent life. One scientist described it as “the engine behind the abundance of heavy elements.” Imagine evolution powered by colliding stars.

Without kilonovas, Earth’s supply of uranium and thorium isotopes would be nearly zero—no molten core, no magnetosphere, no us.