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Researchers Discover Most Pristine Star from Early Universe

4/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) J0715-7334 is the most chemically pristine star from the early universe.
It lies about 80,000 light-years away and is nearly devoid of heavy elements.
Researchers, including University of Chicago students, identified it during a field course using the SDSS.
Its low metallicity and carbon content indicate a unique formation process, possibly involving cosmic dust, with findings published in Nature Astronomy.

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Story summary

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) J0715-7334 is the most chemically pristine star from the early universe.
It lies about 80,000 light-years away and is nearly devoid of heavy elements.
Researchers, including University of Chicago students, identified it during a field course using the SDSS.
Its low metallicity and carbon content indicate a unique formation process, possibly involving cosmic dust, with findings published in Nature Astronomy.