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.

Credit:

ESO/Digized Sky Survey 2

About the Image

Id:eso0129a
Type:Collage
Release date:22 August 2001
Related releases:eso0129
Size:678 x 679 px

About the Object

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

Image Formats

Large JPEG
255.9 KB
Screensize JPEG
366.1 KB

Coordinates

Position (RA):20 40 46.08
Position (Dec):-6° 47' 50.80"
Field of view:9.86 x 9.88 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.0° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Infrared
I
Digitized Sky Survey 2
Optical
R
Digitized Sky Survey 2