NO ONE has ever seen a quark star, thought to be the densest form of matter possible. Yet, despite this small sticking point, physicists now suggest that the formation of these hypothetical bodies could explain not one, but three different astronomical puzzles, including the mystery of gamma-ray bursts.
What is certain is that super-dense neutron stars form in the heat of a supernova when the core of a dying star collapses under the influence of gravity, smashing matter into neutrons. In some cases, theorists suggest a second collapse could squeeze the neutrons down to their constituent quarks. Despite supposed sightings…
