Tracing an Element in Two Stars

Hubble’s ULLYSES program observed the ultraviolet light stars emit – and spread that light into its component wavelengths, which are known as spectra. These spectra show the presence of iron in two stars. The star in Sextans A, represented in purple, doesn’t contain much iron, which implies that it may have formed from elements that made up the early universe, which contained a higher percentage of hydrogen and helium. The star in the Large Magellanic Cloud, represented in teal, has dips that reflect the presence of iron. This star is made from the elements expelled into its environment from previous generations of stars. The amounts of heavier elements, such as iron, can affect the life of the star and the strength of its winds.

Learn more about ULLYSES.