Revolutionary Discovery: Indian Scientists Uncover Germanium in Rare Helium Star!

In Bengaluru, scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) made a remarkable discovery. They found a star that offers new insights into how stars evolve and how elements are created. Named A980, this star is located 25,800 light-years away in the Ophiuchus constellation. What’s unique about A980? It shows a chemical signature that has never been observed before: the presence of singly-ionized germanium (Ge II).

### What Makes A980 Special?

A980 is classified as an Extreme Helium (EHe) star, a rare type formed from the merger of two white dwarfs—one has carbon-oxygen, while the other mostly contains helium. EHe stars are extremely rare, with fewer than 25 known. Initially, A980 was thought to be a hydrogen-deficient carbon star. However, careful studies using a special spectrograph revealed that it does not possess certain key features typical of carbon stars. Instead, it showed strong helium lines, indicating that it’s much hotter than previously expected.

Gajendra Pandey, a senior professor at IIA, explained the identification process. “We suspected A980 might not be what it seemed. Observations showed a lack of carbon features while revealing enhanced helium lines, confirming it as an EHe star.”

### The Discovery of Ge II

The biggest surprise was the discovery of germanium. This was the first time germanium has been detected in an Extreme Helium star. Lead researcher Ajay Saini noted that the germanium lines in A980 are about eight times more abundant than in our Sun.

Identifying these spectral lines is no easy task. Stars rich in helium and lacking hydrogen often present overlapping lines in their spectra, making it challenging to pinpoint individual elements. “We’ve got to be meticulous,” Pandey said.

### Understanding Element Formation

Germanium typically forms through a process called the s-process, which occurs as part of a star’s life cycle. During this process, neutrons are captured by heavy atoms, leading to the creation of heavier elements. However, A980’s formation might also hint at other, more extreme processes, such as neutron capture in a different star environment.

According to Pandey, “This adds layers to our understanding. A980 could be akin to Thorne–Żytkow Objects, forming heavy elements under unique circumstances.”

### Broader Implications

This discover isn’t just a win for astronomy; it also sheds light on how elements are synthesized in the universe. This discovery may also have implications for future studies, especially in understanding extreme stellar environments.

### The Future of Stellar Research

Pandey emphasized the need for advanced technology in astrophysics. “We’re at a point where we need larger telescopes and space-based observatories to delve deeper into stars like A980, especially in the infrared and ultraviolet ranges.” The Himalayan Chandra Telescope, located in a prime astronomical region, has already played a vital role in these findings.

### Conclusion

The discovery of A980 is a significant milestone for Indian astronomy. It opens new paths for research into elemental formation and stellar evolution, helping us understand the complex processes that govern our universe.



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IIA, GERMANIUM IN HELIUM STAR, ASTRONOMY, EXTREME HELIUM STAR A980, NEVER SEEN BEFORE: INDIAN SCIENTISTS FIND GERMANIUM IN ULTRA-RARE HELIUM STAR