The origins of the solar system remain a hot topic among people who believe in creation and those who argue that everything can be explained by science.
A team of researchers surveyed the stardust that can be found inside a meteorite that crashed in the Australian outlands in 1969. The results are quite impressive as it seems that the dust pre-dates the formation of our sun by billions of years.
The Murchison meteorite was located near Murchison, Victoria, hence the name. While other tests took place in the past, the recent study was the first one that included a technology that is sophisticated enough to allow the dating of the grains of dust that can be found within.
One of the researchers who contributed to the study stated that it is a great opportunity for science to learn more about the way in which stars format in our galaxy. Stardust is, without a doubt, the most ancient material that can reach our planet, and that is fascinating.
Stardust Older Than The Sun Was Found
Stardust forms in after a star dies. Before the supernova event takes place, the layers found inside will start to form new elements or collapse due to their own weight.
As the nebula expands, dust found in the upper layers of the star’s atmosphere will push them away. In some cases, the grains will form agglomerations that lead to the formation of new meteors, asteroids, or even planets.
While they float in the void, the grains of dust are hit by powerful energy rays. The presence and ratio of specific isotopes like helium-3 si neon-21 is an important clue. According to the researchers, the grains are more than 7 billion years.
It is estimated that the stars which released the grains may have been at least up to three times bigger than the sun. With the help of radiation tests and advanced models, the researchers uncovered valuable data.
