description Methuselah Star (HD 140283) Overview
HD 140283, informally known as the 'Methuselah Star,' is a metal-poor subgiant star located approximately 190 light-years from Earth in the constellation Libra. It is one of the oldest known stars in the Milky Way, with age estimates derived from its extremely low metal content and evolutionary stage placing it at roughly 12 to 14 billion years old. These estimates have been refined using observations from the Hubble Space Telescope. The star is a subject of ongoing study for understanding the early universe and the formation of the first stellar generations.
help Methuselah Star (HD 140283) FAQ
Why is HD 140283 called the Methuselah Star?
The star earned the nickname "Methuselah Star" because early estimates of its age suggested it might be older than the universe itself. While refined measurements have resolved this paradox, it remains one of the oldest known stars at roughly 13.7 billion years old.
Where is the Methuselah Star located?
The star is located in the constellation Libra and is situated relatively close to Earth at a distance of about 190 light-years. Because of its proximity, astronomers have been able to study its properties in great detail.
What makes the Methuselah Star so different from younger stars?
It is classified as a metal-poor subgiant, meaning it contains very few heavy elements and is composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium. This lack of metals indicates it was formed during a time before the universe had been heavily enriched by generations of supernovae.
Is the Methuselah Star older than the Big Bang?
Early calculations caused a stir by suggesting the star was older than the 13.8 billion-year-old universe, creating a massive cosmological paradox. However, subsequent observations using the Hubble Space Telescope refined its age to around 13.7 billion years, placing it safely within the age of the universe.
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