Metal-Poor Stars
Metal-poor stars are celestial objects that contain a lower abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, often referred to as "metals" in astronomical terms. These stars are typically older and formed in the early universe, where the availability of heavier elements was limited. Their low metallicity provides valuable insights into the conditions of the early cosmos.
Astronomers study metal-poor stars to understand the formation and evolution of galaxies, including our own, the Milky Way. By analyzing their chemical composition, researchers can learn about the processes that led to the creation of heavier elements through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernova explosions.