By Sakshi Sah
Published May 02, 2025

Hindustan Times
Trending

Photo Credit: NASA

Where does gold really come from? NASA data reveals the truth

Gold is a very heavy element, but where did it first come from? NASA scientists may have found the answer.

Photo Credit: NASA

One big mystery is how elements heavier than iron- like gold, were made and spread across the universe.

Photo Credit: NASA

Unlock Now

Unlock Now

A new study used 20-year-old NASA and ESA data and found a surprising source.

Photo Credit: NASA

Magnetars are neutron stars with very strong magnetic fields. They sometimes shake and release powerful bursts of energy.

Photo Credit: NASA

These bursts, called giant flares, may make and throw out heavy elements like gold. Only a few have ever been seen.

Photo Credit: NASA

When atoms capture too many neutrons, they can change into heavier elements. This may happen during magnetar flares.

Photo Credit: NASA

In 2017, astronomers saw two neutron stars crash. This made gold and other heavy elements, but it happened too late to explain the first gold.

Photo Credit: NASA

NASA’s new COSI mission, launching in 2027, will study magnetars and may help us learn even more about where gold comes from.

Photo Credit: NASA