Similar to humans, atomic nuclei have a tendency to contract when they lose mass. However, atomic nuclei are intricate quantum systems composed of composite particles called quarks, which form neutrons and protons. Consequently, their shapes, typically spherical or nearly spherical, do not merely diminish as particles are extracted from within. Fascinatingly, observations have revealed that peculiar mercury and bismuth nuclei, lacking sufficient neutrons, exhibit striking transformations, fluctuating between football (soccer) and rugby ball shapes as individual neutrons are removed from the nucleus.
CERN observers witness intriguing metamorphosis within gold nuclei.
