AN ELEMENTAL PROBLEM WITH THE SUN

July 31, 2020

AN ELEMENTAL PROBLEM WITH THE SUN

The Sun shown in ultra violet light

For two decades, astronomers have argued over how much carbon, nitrogen and especially oxygen lie within our closest star — a dispute with implications for the entire universe.

 

A new debate is raging among astronomers over how much carbon, nitrogen and oxygen live within the Sun — a discussion with implications for the entire universe. Marc Pinsonneault, professor in the Department of Astronomy, weighs in for Knowable Magazine.