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Magnetars May Produce Up to 10% of Universe's Gold

5/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study uncovers that intense flares from magnetars—extraordinarily magnetic neutron stars—could account for 1-10% of the universe's gold, silver, and platinum. While neutron-star mergers are the main contributors, these stellar outbursts may have played a crucial role, particularly in the universe's infancy. The findings are published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study uncovers that intense flares from magnetars—extraordinarily magnetic neutron stars—could account for 1-10% of the universe's gold, silver, and platinum. While neutron-star mergers are the main contributors, these stellar outbursts may have played a crucial role, particularly in the universe's infancy. The findings are published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.