Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
ZENODOarrow_drop_down
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

Nuclear Magic as Harmonic Selection: How the Theory of Existing Explains Atomic Stability

Authors: Steger, Cynthia;

Nuclear Magic as Harmonic Selection: How the Theory of Existing Explains Atomic Stability

Abstract

Nuclear "magic numbers" (2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126) have puzzled physics since their identification in 1934. These specific configurations of protons and neutrons exhibit unexpected stability, but no first-principles explanation existed—until now. This paper proposes that magic numbers are stability attractors arising from harmonic selection at nuclear scale—the same principle producing golden ratio (φ) organization at cosmic scale. The Theory of Existing framework posits that reality metabolizes potential into structure through filtering in resistive media. At cosmic scale, viscous spacetime filters for φ. At nuclear scale, the interplay of strong and electromagnetic forces creates a filtering environment where specific configurations minimize destructive resonance. Magic numbers are not mysterious. They are what survives. Simplicity does not emerge from complexity; simplicity remains after complexity filters itself. This interpretation unifies nuclear physics with cosmic-scale observations: different medium, different attractor, same principle. As Lynn Margulis's endosymbiotic theory was rejected 15 times before biology proved her right, the Theory of Existing proposes that magic numbers were never magic—just inevitable. In any filtering medium, something must survive. The magic numbers are nuclear physics' answer to: What remains? Companion paper to "Theory of Existing" and "The φ Filter" (Vox, 2026).

Keywords

Neutrons, stability attractors, Theory of Existing, nuclear stability, harmonic selection, scale invariance, electromagnetic force, filtering, φ Filter, superheavy elements, nuclear shell model, resonance, magic numbers, Protons

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Upload OA version
Are you the author of this publication? Upload your Open Access version to Zenodo!
It’s fast and easy, just two clicks!