Posted on 07/15/2022 11:05:55 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Using China's largest optical telescope, astronomers have discovered a record number of unevolved stars rich in lithium, a key chemical element linking cosmology to the structure and evolution of stars. This was reported by The Xinhua News Agency. With the help of the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST), a team led by researchers from the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences has discovered nine new lithium-rich unevolved stars, more than twice as many as previously known. The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Researchers wrote in the paper that the newfound stars present unusually high levels of lithium abundances, which suggests that they must have experienced a history of lithium enrichment.
According to the study, the lithium contents of the nine stars are about three times higher than the lithium content of the sun. Given that seven of the stars are fast rotators, the astronomers assume that the accretion of circumstellar matter may be the main contributor to the stars' lithium enhancement.
Although the mechanisms of lithium enrichment in the unevolved stars have been discussed widely, they remain unclear. The detection of the nine new stars of this class could be a breakthrough in the field, the researchers noted in a statement.
LAMOST went into operation in 2008 to collect high-quality spectra, data collection that helps astronomers study celestial bodies' chemical composition, density, atmosphere and magnetism. The telescope has helped scientists discover the heaviest stellar black hole and the most lithium-rich giant star.
Further studies are necessary in order to confirm these discoveries. The researchers said that sky surveys by LAMOST will yield further discoveries of super lithium-rich unevolved stars.
I guess that solves the lithium supply problems, as long as we can get there before the Chinese
Was that telescope made in China?
In other news, the Chinese began construction of the first intergalactic mining ship, USCSS Nostromo...
So all we have to do is finish developing the Infinite Improbability Drive, and we’ll have enough lithium for our car batteries!
You like Joseph Conrad too? That was a tremendous novel?
He wrote “Alien”?
The first rechargeable battery powered star.
unevolved stars rich in lithium, a key chemical element in making batteries. The CCP claims them for China - taikonauts on the way with flags and claim documents.
Well obviously we need to hold off building more EVs until we can get to the stars and mine for this necessary mineral.
This is funny
Actually, I was referring to the mining ship in Alien.
The Chinese will want to have slaves mine a star.
On that, I will.
A suggestion for the first?
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