Recent research indicates that magnetar flares, emanating from highly magnetized neutron stars, could be a significant source of heavy elements, including gold, in the universe. Anirudh Patel from Columbia University led the study, analyzing archival data from NASA and ESA telescopes. The findings suggest that magnetar giant flares may contribute up to 10% of the total abundance of elements heavier than iron in the galaxy.
Magnetars, the collapsed cores of exploded stars, occasionally release substantial amounts of high-energy radiation during starquakes. These starquakes are linked to powerful bursts of radiation known as magnetar giant flares. The study proposes that the radiation from these flares could facilitate the creation of heavy elements through a rapid process where neutrons forge lighter atomic nuclei into heavier ones.
Researchers correlated a gamma-ray signal detected over 20 years ago with the predicted signature of heavy element creation in a magnetar giant flare. NASA's upcoming COSI mission, now expected to launch in 2027, will further investigate these phenomena and identify individual elements created in magnetar flares. This mission aims to study energetic phenomena in the cosmos, including the creation and destruction of matter.