Scientists Investigate the Birth of Our Sun in the Early Universe

Understanding the birth of our sun has long been a source of study for researchers. Now, they may be a step closer. Scientists have investigated the solar system's prehistoric phase and the events that led to the birth of the sun.

In order to investigate the prehistoric universe, the scientists used radioactivity to date the last time that heavy elements such as gold, silver platinum, lead and rare-earth elements were added to the solar system matter by the stars that produced them. At some point after the last addition of heavy elements, the solar system matter went into an "incubation" period, during which the stellar nursery formed. This is when the sun was born together with other stars.

"Using heavy radioactive nuclei found in meteorites to time these final additions, we have got a clearer understanding of the prehistory of the solar system," said Maria Lugaro, one of the researchers, in a news release. "We can now tell with confidence the final one percent of gold, silver and platinum were added to the solar system matter roughly 100 million years before the birth of the sun."

The scientists discovered that the incubation period could not have lasted more than 30 million years. This, in particular, gives scientists the ability to determine the lifespan of the nursery where the sun was born, how massive it was and how many stars were born there.

"Ultimately, we want to have a clear understanding of the circumstances of the birth of our star and the prehistory of the solar system," said Lugaro. "Understanding the timescales and processes leading to the formation of our solar system is key to relate its birth environment with that of other planetary systems in the galaxy."

Currently, the scientists plan to look at other heavy radioactive nuclei to learn more about the prehistory of the solar system. In addition, this could help improve the accuracy and precision of the timing.

The findings are published in the journal Science.