Stars that May Be Older Than the Universe
New Stars Discovered by Astronomers
Star Discovered May Be Older Than Time
A very old star just discovered by astronomers is presenting an intergalactic cosmic riddle. Astronomers have found a star that they think may be older than the universe. Best estimates by astronomers is that the universe is 13.8 billion years old. But they have found a star close to earth that is estimated to be 14.5 billion years old, based on its very low metal content. The star is HD 140283, nicknamed the Methuselah Star. It's raising a lot of fascinating questions. Is that beautiful twinkling star older than time and the universe itself?
The Methuselah Star
The questions come from many including a top physicist at the UK's Royal Astronomical Society Dr. Robert Mathews. He calls it a riddle of cosmic proportions. How can the universe contain stars older than itself? This question sparks questions about how accurate calculations are about the age of the universe. Even NASA's estimate is imprecise: Methuselah could be 800 million years younger or older than 14.5 billion years. It is too early to tell but Dr. Mathews is looking into new research into gravitational waves as a possible explanation for the age differential. But, he adds the question about the actual age of the universe is back with a vengeance.
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| Source: NASA |
Star Discovered May Be Older Than Time
A very old star just discovered by astronomers is presenting an intergalactic cosmic riddle. Astronomers have found a star that they think may be older than the universe. Best estimates by astronomers is that the universe is 13.8 billion years old. But they have found a star close to earth that is estimated to be 14.5 billion years old, based on its very low metal content. The star is HD 140283, nicknamed the Methuselah Star. It's raising a lot of fascinating questions. Is that beautiful twinkling star older than time and the universe itself?
The Methuselah Star
The questions come from many including a top physicist at the UK's Royal Astronomical Society Dr. Robert Mathews. He calls it a riddle of cosmic proportions. How can the universe contain stars older than itself? This question sparks questions about how accurate calculations are about the age of the universe. Even NASA's estimate is imprecise: Methuselah could be 800 million years younger or older than 14.5 billion years. It is too early to tell but Dr. Mathews is looking into new research into gravitational waves as a possible explanation for the age differential. But, he adds the question about the actual age of the universe is back with a vengeance.
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