Heavy element synthesis in the oldest stars and the early Universe

Nature
John J Cowan, Christopher Sneden

Abstract

The first stars in the Universe were probably quite different from those born today. Composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium (plus a tiny trace of lithium), they lacked the heavier elements that determine the formation and evolution of younger stars. Although we cannot observe the very first stars--they died long ago in supernovae explosions--they created heavy elements that were incorporated into the next generation. Here we describe how observations of heavy elements in the oldest surviving stars in our Galaxy's halo help us understand the nature of the first stars--those responsible for the chemical enrichment of our Galaxy and Universe.

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Citations

May 1, 2013·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·Stephan Rosswog
Jul 18, 2009·Muscle & Nerve·Livia PasqualiFrancesco Fornai
Apr 29, 2011·Nature·Cristina ChiappiniAndré Maeder
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Jan 17, 2020·Experimental Physiology·Damian Miles Bailey
Mar 21, 2008·Physical Review Letters·M DworschakC Yazidjian

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