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Space
Space
Science
Harry Baker

'Barbenheimer Star' that blew up 13 billion years ago defies explanation, baffling scientists

A purple and blue explosion behind the periodic table of elements.

Scientists have discovered evidence of a massive star from the early universe that does not fit with our current understanding of the cosmos. 

The ancient stellar oddball, which researchers have dubbed the "Barbenheimer Star," likely had a mix of elements in its core that has never been seen before — then, it died a seemingly impossible death while birthing an equally puzzling star in its place, a new study shows. (The name Barbenheimer is a reference to the contrasting films "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" releasing on the same day last year.)

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