What do astronomers often call elements heavier than hydrogen and helium?
Answer
Metals
In the context of astronomy and astrophysics, there is a specific conventional nomenclature used when discussing elemental composition. Hydrogen and helium, the two lightest elements primarily formed during the Big Bang, are treated separately. Consequently, astronomers adopt the convention of grouping all elements heavier than these two into a single category, which they refer to as 'metals.' Supernovae are fundamentally responsible for seeding the vast majority of these heavier 'metals' throughout the galaxy, providing the necessary ingredients for rocky planets and complex chemistry.
Related Questions
What is the limit of element creation via fusion in smaller stars like the Sun?Which elements are created through rapid neutron-capture processes in supernovae?What do astronomers often call elements heavier than hydrogen and helium?What mass range leads to the formation of a neutron star core remnant?How heavy is a teaspoon of neutron star material?What condition causes a core remnant to collapse into a black hole?What are the visible, expanding clouds of gas and dust left after an explosion called?Which specific supernovae events are used as "standard candles" for cosmic distance measurement?What critical limit must a white dwarf reach to trigger a Type Ia supernova explosion?What major realization resulted from accurately measuring distances using Type Ia supernovae data?