The universe is vast and baffling. Here are four of some of the oddest discoveries that astronomers have made in the past few years:

1. The possibility of alien life

Scientists have discovered 20 billion Earth-like exoplanets in the Milky Way alone that may contain the possibility for alien life. Hundreds of other galaxies could mean hundreds of other planets.

2. The gold star discovery

In 2013, astronomers discovered two stars that collided produced hundreds of tons of gold. That amount of gold weighs many times the mass of our Moon.

“That sounds like a prelude to a novel,” sophomore Margaret Prochnow. “Something I would definitely read.”

3. Saturn’s new ring

Astronomers have discovered an immense new ring around the planet Saturn. Positioned 6 to 18 million mile away from the planet’s surface, the new ring spins in the opposite direction of the other rings.

4. The oldest star in the universe

The oldest star ever discovered, known as SMSS J031300.36-670839.3, is mind-blowingly old. At 13.6 billion years old, this star is much older than anything in our solar system.

To see more odd discoveries, visit http://list25.com/25-recent-space-discoveries-that-blew-our-minds/2/.