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International Scientists Confirm 13.8 Billion Years Old Source:  NASA Universe Source:  ACT Research Major Space Benchmark An international team of astrophysicists has just published new research concluding that the universe is about 13.8 billion years old.  They calculated the universe's age by measuring its oldest light.  In recent years, other scientific measurements have suggested that it could be hundreds of millions of years younger.  The light measured by the international team of scientists is the afterglow from the Big Bang. Cosmic Microwave Background The light is called cosmic microwave background.  The light goes back 380,000 years after the birth of the universe when atoms started to form from proteins and electrons.  The picture (above/bottom) is called by the scientists a "baby photo" of the universe and of its oldest light.  According to Stony Brook University astrophysicists who co-authored the report, the photo helps scientists to bett

New Stars Discovered by Astronomers 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.