Context:

Recent research suggests that magnetars, highly magnetized neutron stars, may contribute to the formation of heavy elements like gold in the universe. Traditionally, the creation of such elements was attributed to neutron star collisions, but data from as far back as 2004 indicates that magnetar flares might also play a significant role. These flares, caused by starquakes, eject material at high speeds, potentially creating conditions conducive to heavy element formation. The study's findings are supported by gamma-ray data that matches predictions from theoretical models. However, some scientists remain cautious, suggesting that while magnetars offer an alternative pathway for element creation, they are not yet proven to be a definitive source of cosmic gold production.

Dive Deeper:

• Magnetars, remnants of exploded stars with intense magnetic fields, may contribute to the formation of heavy elements like gold, challenging the previous belief that such elements mainly resulted from neutron star collisions.

• Data from a giant magnetar flare in 2004, captured by the INTEGRAL mission, provided evidence that aligns with theoretical models predicting the ejection of material conducive to heavy element formation.

• These magnetar flares are caused by starquakes, similar to earthquakes on Earth, where the stress built up under the star's crust leads to explosive radiation bursts, ejecting crust material at high speeds.

• The findings are supported by analysis of gamma-ray data, which matched predictions about the creation and distribution of heavy elements during such flares, suggesting magnetars might account for up to 10% of elements heavier than iron in the Milky Way.

• Despite the promising evidence, some experts urge caution, noting that the magnetar's chaotic nature could lead to the production of lighter metals instead, and emphasize the need for further research to confirm these findings.

• NASA's upcoming Compton Spectrometer and Imager mission, set to launch in 2027, aims to observe magnetar flares and verify the presence of heavy elements, potentially providing more definitive evidence of their role in cosmic element formation.

• The discovery highlights the importance of long-term research and data analysis in uncovering new insights into the origins of complex matter in the universe, offering a new perspective on the cosmic history of elements like gold.