For centuries, scientists have speculated about the origins of the heavier elements found on Earth. Today, new research offers an answer: ancient stars. According to a recent study out of the University of Basel in Switzerland, some of the oldest stars in the Milky Way likely played a major role in creating the heavy elements found on Earth.

This study, conducted by a team of astronomers, used data from the European Space Agency (ESA) Gaia satellite to map out the chemical composition of stars in the Milky Way. By looking at the stars’ chemical makeup, the team was able to determine which stars were the oldest.

Surprisingly, the team found that the oldest stars were also the ones with the highest levels of heavy elements. This suggests that these ancient stars were likely responsible for creating the heavier elements we find on Earth.

This finding is significant because it gives us a better understanding of the origins of the elements found on Earth. It also helps to explain why Earth has such a unique mix of heavy elements, which is something that scientists have been trying to figure out for years.

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source: Phys.org