Scientists say stellar wind from a giant type of star known as a Wolf-Rayet could have created a bubble with a dense shell over the course of millions of years, where dust and gas became trapped before condensing into stars.
Supernovae of these stars, which burn the hottest of all stars, are known to produce certain materials that were abundant in the early solar system, the Daily Mail reportss.
The new theory could help to answer long-standing questions on the origins of the solar system, according to the researchers from the University of Chicago.
Much of the mystery centers on the unusual proportions of two isotopes: aluminium-26 and iron-60.
While leading theories on the birth of the solar system argue that it formed billions of years ago near a supernovae, these stellar explosions are known to produce large amounts of both isotopes.
But, studies suggest the levels were not evenly matched; instead, the researchers say there was likely less iron-60.
Analysis of meteorites from the early solar system have shown evidence of the presence of the isotope aluminium-26.
According to the researchers, stellar wind from massive Wolf-Rayet stars causes elements to be flung into space.
These stars can be 40-50 times the size of the sun.
