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#1 2025-05-09 11:49:38
- tahanson43206
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Helium
GW Johnson recently reported news that Helium from traditional hydrocarbon sources may be reaching the end of the curve of production.
The article at the link below reports on discovery of pockets of Helium that may exist inside the Earth's crust.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/scienc … wtab-en-us
In the article, the author notes that the Sun is a helium producing engine.
Jupiter and Saturn contain significant quantities of Helium. A ballpark estimate appears to be 10% by mass.
Helium will be a byproduct of fusion when it finally becomes commercially successful.
In the meantime, since Helium is needed for all sorts of purposes here on Earth, discovery of hidden pockets would be appreciated.
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#2 2025-05-09 11:50:57
- tahanson43206
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Re: Helium
This post is reserved for posts that may be contributed by NewMars members over time.
The topic is not intended to be limited to just how to find Helium.
Applications know today, as well as possible future applications would be of interest.
Index:
Void: Link to article about discovery of helium reservoir in Minnesota
https://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.ph … 24#p231524
Post #5: Void http://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.php … 30#p231530
Report on research suggesting helium may be present in the Earth's core
Post #6: Void on helium possibly available from volcanoes
Post #7: tahanson43206 ... inquiry about collecting He3 from the Sun directly
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#3 2025-05-09 12:31:30
- Void
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Re: Helium
Here is a non-petroleum source from the Canadian Shield: https://www.livescience.com/planet-eart … -minnesota
Quote:
Scientists just discovered a massive reservoir of helium beneath Minnesota
News
By Sascha Pare published March 7, 2024
Researchers have discovered a large gas reservoir boasting extremely high concentrations of helium that could boost a dwindling global supply in Minnesota's Iron Range.
So, Helium reservoirs, may exist in rock formations that are different than for petroleum.
Ending Pending 
Last edited by Void (2025-05-09 12:32:56)
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#4 2025-05-09 17:25:58
- tahanson43206
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Re: Helium
Thanks to Void for reporting the discovery of a helium reservoir in Minnesota!
The field appears to have a concentration of 12%, far above the "normal" 3% level seen in Texas.
Further research is scheduled at the drill site in Minnesota to determine if the helium stored underground can be extracted. The verdict is expected by the end of this year.
"It's not just about drilling one hole, but now proving up the geological models, being able to get some really good data that wasn't captured in the original discovery," Abraham James told CBS News.
If NewMars members see news about this or any other Helium discovery, please add a post here.
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#5 2025-05-09 20:14:23
- Void
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Re: Helium
You might also be interested in this: https://www.sciencealert.com/earths-cor … ial-helium Quote:
Earth's Core Could Be Hiding a Vast Reservoir of Primordial Helium
Physics
04 March 2025
ByMichelle Starr
The surprise discovery that one of the lightest elements in the Universe can bind to iron under high pressure to form iron helide means we may have misunderstood the chemistry making up the profoundest depths of our planet.
That's because it means helium could be mixed up in the core, where iron is in its most highly pressurized state in or on Earth. In fact, according to a team led by physicist Haruki Takezawa of the University of Tokyo, our planet's dense heart of iron could harbor a large reservoir of primordial helium.
So, if during formation, the Earth had entrained some Helium that that got buried deep, then it could possibly be bound to Iron in the core.
If true, then Helium percolating up from the core may collect in fractures in rocks. It would not be dependent on the rocks being sedimentary.
Ending Pending
Last edited by Void (2025-05-09 20:18:44)
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#6 2025-05-14 16:47:54
- Void
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Re: Helium
Here is an article about sourcing Helium from volcanic hot spots: https://www.livescience.com/planet-eart … conductors Quote:
Planet Earth Geology
Yellowstone holds potentially untapped cache of 'carbon-free' helium for rockets, reactors and superconductors
News
By Sascha Pare published April 29, 2025
Conventional helium production comes with enormous carbon emissions, so scientists are looking for alternatives in places like Yellowstone, Tanzania's Rukwa Rift and India's Bakreswar-Tantloi province.
Perhaps geothermal power might go hand in hand with obtaining Helium.
Ending Pending
Last edited by Void (2025-05-14 16:49:27)
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#7 2026-09-05 09:01:26
- tahanson43206
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Re: Helium
It has been proposed that He3 might be obtained by collecting these atoms from the surfaces of celestial bodies such as the Moon.
The lunar surface has been collecting He3 and other Solar emanations for billions of years. The total amount is estimated to reach millions of metric tons. However, collecting those atoms will be energy costly.
Perhaps it would make sense to capture Solar particle emissions on the fly, with suitable collecting surfaces.
I asked Gemini and it compared "traditional" Regolith sifting to on-the-fly capture. In the course of this inquiry we considered Mercury. I learned that Mercury's magnetic field may concentrate He3 in "cusps" at the poles. The yield from flying collectors is very low, since He3 is such a small part of particle emissions from the Sun.
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