In a groundbreaking discovery, MIT researchers have uncovered the universe’s oldest stars in our own galactic backyard. These ancient celestial bodies, which formed 12 to 13 billion years ago, offer a glimpse into the early universe and its evolution.
Uncovering the Oldest Stars
Anna Frebel, an observational astronomer and astrophysicist at MIT, leads a team that has discovered three stars in the Milky Way’s halo that formed during the universe’s infancy. These stars, which have been circling the galaxy for billions of years, provide valuable insights into the chemical and physical conditions of the early universe.
Insights into the Early Universe
The discovery of these ancient stars has significant implications for our understanding of the universe’s history and evolution. By studying their chemical compositions and physical properties, researchers hope to uncover new insights about the earliest stages of the universe, including the formation of the first stars and galaxies.