2012- 21st Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Symposium

Session Time : 4/10/12 10:30 AM - 4/10/12 11:45 AM

Content Area : Physics

Poster Appointment: NONE

Student Presenters :
Oindree Banerjee Physics

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
Carla Frohlich Physics

Abstract Title : Observational Constraints on the Origin of Light Neutron-Capture Elements in Metal-Poor Stars

Abstract :
The origin of elements heavier than iron has been a long-standing open question in Astrophysics. Intermediate –mass and iron-group elements are synthesized during stellar evolution and are ejected in subsequent supernova explosions. The elements beyond iron are generally attributed to the r-process (rapid neutron-capture process) and the s-process (slow neutron-capture process) thought to occur in supernovae and asymptotic giant branch stars, respectively. The abundance pattern of elements starting at barium, as observed in metal-poor stars, can be explained satisfactorily by the r-process. Using the online database Stellar Abundances for Galactic Archaeology (SAGA), we compile abundance data for the light neutron-capture elements in metal-poor stars. We analyze these data for metallicity trends of the light neutron-capture elements and also test for correlations of these elements with other elements of known nucleosynthetic origin. Our results are consistent with an additional nucleosynthesis process such as the postulated Lighter Element Primary Process. Moreover, we can make predictions for the conditions necessary for the synthesis of these light neutron-capture elements.