The star known as Methuselah (HD 140283) is one of the most mysterious objects in the cosmos. Located about 190 light-years away in the constellation Libra, this ancient star is estimated to be around 14.5 billion years old, which makes it appear even older than the universe itself currently measured at 13.8 billion years. This paradox has puzzled astronomers for decades, as it challenges our understanding of both stellar evolution and the age of the cosmos. Methuselah is a metal-poor star, meaning it formed very early in cosmic history shortly after the Big Bang, when heavy elements were scarce. Scientists believe uncertainties in measurements such as distance, chemical composition, and stellar models, could explain this age discrepancy. Still, the fact that its calculated age rivals or slightly exceeds the universe remains one of astronomy’s most intriguing unsolved puzzles offering clues about the earliest moments of cosmic history.
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