The Supermassive Podcast
14: A Star Is Born
Feb 26, 2021
Astrophysicist Cecelia Payne Gaposchkin's discovery of star structure discussed along with the latest NASA rover on Mars, exploring the topics of first stars, formation of black holes, and the challenges faced by Payne as a woman in a male-dominated field.
40:11
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Quick takeaways
- The first stars in the universe, known as population three stars, were massive, composed primarily of hydrogen, helium, and a small amount of lithium, lacked heavier elements, and played a crucial role in the formation of subsequent stars and galaxies.
- Recent 3D modeling of the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant, has revealed a unique anatomical shape resembling a shattered heart, shedding light on the formation and evolution of supernova remnants.
Deep dives
Formation of the First Stars
Around 180 million years after the Big Bang, gas begins to come together in clumps and ignites fusion, giving rise to the first stars in the universe. These stars, known as population three stars, are massive and made primarily of hydrogen, helium, and a small amount of lithium. Unlike modern stars, they lack heavier elements and are unable to cool down efficiently. Consequently, population three stars are short-lived and die quickly, releasing heavier elements into the universe and paving the way for the formation of subsequent stars and galaxies.
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