Heavy metal stars

A high-resolution spectrum of the CH-star HD 196944, obtained with the CES instrument on the ESO 3.6-m telescope in September 2000. The observed spectrum (dots) shows many absorption lines from elements that are usually seen in stars. The red line shows a model in which elements (in particular those produced by the s-process) are present in normal quantities, compared to Iron. The blue line instead shows a model where s-processing has occured. It is obvious that the red line does not fit, only the blue line reproduces the observed absorption line at wavelength 405.781 nm caused by Lead (Pb) atoms in the atmosphere of this star. A subsequent, detailed analysis demonstrated that HD 196944 is a true "Lead star".

Technical information: this image shows a small section of the reduced spectrum of the CH-star HD 196944, near wavelength 4050 Angstrom. It was obtained during a 90-min exposure with the Coude Echelle Spectrometer at the ESO 3.6-m telescope on La Silla in 16 September 2000. The spectral resolution is 135 000.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0129b
Type:Chart
Release date:22 August 2001
Related releases:eso0129
Size:800 x 612 px

About the Object

Name:HD 196944
Type:Milky Way : Star
Distance:1500 light years
Category:Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
121.6 KB
Screensize JPEG
144.2 KB

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
V
405 nmESO 3.6-metre telescope
Coudé Echelle Spectrometer (CES)