Magnetars may be new clue in gold’s cosmic origins

Astronomers have uncovered a potential new source for the universe’s heaviest elements—magnetars, or highly magnetized neutron stars, the CNN reported. A team of scientists, led by Columbia University doctoral student Anirudh Patel, analyzed 20-year-old space mission data and found signals suggesting that flares from magnetars could produce heavy elements like gold.

Until now, gold creation was mainly linked to neutron star mergers, such as the kilonova observed in 2017. However, giant flares from magnetars, which formed early in the universe’s history, might also eject crust material rich in heavy elements.

Gamma-ray signals from a 2004 flare matched predictions made in 2024 models, offering a new line of evidence. While some scientists remain cautious, noting the complexity of magnetars, the study suggests these rare stellar remnants may account for up to 10% of elements heavier than iron. NASA’s upcoming COSI mission may help confirm these findings in future observations.