paper

The origin of HE0107-5240 and the production of O and Na in extremely metal-poor stars

arXiv:astro-ph/0504547 · doi:10.1016/j.nuclphysa.2005.05.061

Abstract

We elaborate the binary scenario for the origin of HE0107-5240, the most metal-poor star yet observed ([Fe/H] = -5.3), using current knowledge of the evolution of extremely metal-poor stars. From the observed C/N value, we estimate the binary separation and period. Nucleosynthesis in a helium convective zone into which hydrogen has been injected allows us to discuss the origin of surface O and Na as well as the abundance distribution of s-process elements. We can explain the observed abundances of 12C, 13C, N, O, and Na and predict future observations to validate the Pop III nature of HE0107-5240.

4 pages, 3 figures, proceedings of the conference, "Nuclei in the Cosmos VIII", Nuclear Physics A in press