Heavy metal stars

One of the three Lead stars, HD 196944 that was analysed in a 2001 research programme (at the centre of the field). This star lies about 1600 light years away in the constellation Aquarius. At magnitude 9, it is not visible to the unaided eye, but easily seen through a small amateur telescope. The detailed spectroscopic study reported in the associated press release revealed a high abundance of Lead in this. The spikes seen in this photo are an optical effect in the telescope.