Galactic Fossil Found

jazzyseth writes "This story on Nature.com's website reports "Astronomers have discovered a star on the outskirts of the Milky Way that may represent those that filled our Galaxy, and perhaps the Universe, with the chemical elements around us. This fossil from the early days of our Galaxy contains virtually no metal." Here is another link to an article on the BBC website describing the discovery of our galaxy's "oldest star"."

Comments

This whole article is OT

[L. VeGas]

Here is another link to an article on the BBC website describing the discovery of our galaxy's "oldest star"

Why are we posting articles about Joan Rivers on /. ?

Re:Question asked in article

[redcliffe]

Fusion. Helium is produced when Hydrogen fuses, the Lithium is produced when helium fuses, etc.

Re:How exactly

[ThorGod]

2 words: Spectral Analysis
When any element gives off light, as the elements which make up a star do, it gives off light in such a way that it's unique to every element. It's been a while since I studied this so I have to be brief on details, but I hope you get the idea. If not do a google search on spectral analysis.