The number of elements found naturally in the universe is still a matter of debate among scientists. However, based on our current knowledge and understanding of the periodic table, there are 118 known elements. These elements occur naturally, and they have been identified through various scientific methods and experiments.

It's important to note that the elements heavier than uranium (element 92) are not found naturally on Earth. They can be created artificially through nuclear reactions in particle accelerators or nuclear reactors. These artificially created elements are known as transuranium elements.

The existence and abundance of these elements in the universe are studied in various fields such as astrophysics, nuclear physics, and cosmology. Scientists use telescopes, spectroscopy, and other tools to analyze the composition of stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects to determine the presence and distribution of these elements.