Why scientists are rethinking how gold was made: Magnetars may be the universe’s first cosmic goldsmiths

Scientists now believe highly magnetised neutron stars, or magnetars, are a significant source of gold and other heavy elements, challenging the long-held neutron star collision theory. Evidence from NASA and ESA, supported by LHC experiments, suggests magnetar flares eject material that rapidly forms these elements. This discovery reshapes our understanding of cosmic evolution and early element formation.