A burst of powerful radiation observed in space has challenged traditional theories about the formation of some of the heavy metals such as gold and platinum. Scientists have discovered that such a flare can produce massive amounts of heavy, rare atoms in seconds, making it a remarkable source of valuable metals. According to a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, magnetars, which have existed since before the solar system was formed, could represent an early source of precious metals, such as gold. “If you consider the fundamental components of everything, it’s just neutrons, protons, and electrons,” Anirudh Patel, the study’s lead author, told The Washington Post. Magnetars often emit strong gamma and enormous X-ray flares, which are so intense that they can interfere with satellites on Earth, even if they are thousands of light-years away. A recent analysis of flares indicates that a single event may have produced up to two million billion kilograms of heavy elements. Scientists believe these explosions are caused by “starquakes”, breaking down the magnetar’s surface after its magnetic field …