Scientists have studied a space object discovered more than 40 years ago.
Researchers from Curtin University in Australia were able to find rare stardust inside one of the meteorites, which turned out to be older than the Sun. Scientists about the discovery told in the Astrophysical Journal.
Experts studied the ALH 77307 meteorite, found in Antarctica in the second half of the 1970s. They analyzed the dust particles using a special method – atom probe tomography. The researchers found that the particle came from stars that formed before the formation of the Solar System. Their age exceeds 5 billion years.
Atom probe tomography creates an atomic-scale map of elements and their isotopes in a sample. According to study lead author Nicole Neville, materials from the solar system have a predictable ratio of magnesium-25 and magnesium-24 isotopes. The particles studied differ significantly from them. “The most extreme magnesium isotope ratio in previous studies of presolar grains was about 1200. Our study came up with 3025, which was the highest ratio ever found,” says Neville.
The scientist noted that this relationship can only be explained by the formation of a recently discovered type of star – a hydrogen-burning supernova. Neville added that the particles studied can be compared to “time capsules” that provide a snapshot of life from the parent star.
Previously, scientists showed a black hole at the center of our galaxy in a detailed image. A rare shot revealed a hidden feature.
Andrey Britenkov
