The make-up of stars

Martin Asplund*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    The chemical composition of stars contain vital clues not only about the stars themselves but also about the conditions prevailing before their births. As such, stellar spectroscopy plays a key role in contemporary astrophysics and cosmology by probing cosmic, galactic, stellar and planetary evolution. In this review I will describe the theoretical foundations of quantitative stellar spectroscopy: stellar atmosphere models and spectral line formation. I will focus mainly on more recent advances in the field, in particular the advent of realistic time-dependent, 3D, (magneto-)hydrodynamical simulations of stellar surface convection and atmospheres and non-LTE radiative transfer relevant for stars like the Sun. I will also discuss some particular applications of this type of modelling which have resulted in some exciting break-throughs in our understanding and with wider implications: the solar chemical composition, the chemical signatures of planet formation imprinted in stellar abundances, the cosmological Li problem(s) and where the first stars may be residing today.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationGraduate School in Astronomy - XVIII Special Courses at the National Observatory, Rio de Janeiro, CCE 2013
    EditorsSimone Daflon, Alvaro Alvarez-Candal, Renato Dupke, Marcelo Borges Fernandes, Jailson Alcaniz
    PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
    Pages58-87
    Number of pages30
    ISBN (Electronic)9780735412712
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    Event18th Special Courses at the National Observatory of Rio de Janeiro, CCE 2013 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    Duration: 21 Oct 201325 Oct 2013

    Publication series

    NameAIP Conference Proceedings
    Volume1632
    ISSN (Print)0094-243X
    ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

    Conference

    Conference18th Special Courses at the National Observatory of Rio de Janeiro, CCE 2013
    Country/TerritoryBrazil
    CityRio de Janeiro
    Period21/10/1325/10/13

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