Scientists discover the Sun contains 55% more silver than expected

Researchers at Uppsala University have uncovered new data regarding the chemical composition of the Sun. Their analysis shows that the Sun contains 55 percent more silver than previous estimates indicated. This discovery addresses a long-standing mismatch between solar measurements and the silver content found in ancient, primitive meteorites.

Astronomers rely on these measurements to understand the history and formation of the solar system. Because the Sun and these meteorites share a common origin from the same cloud of gas and dust 4.6 billion years ago, their chemical profiles should align. Previous models were unable to reconcile this difference until now.

The team achieved these results by implementing a more advanced model of the solar atmosphere. They used spectroscopy to observe how silver atoms absorb light, creating unique patterns known as spectral lines. By accounting for non-equilibrium effects where light influences the atoms themselves, the researchers moved beyond the limitations of older, simplified atmospheric models.

This project, led by researcher Sema Caliskan, utilized the Tetralith supercomputer at the National Supercomputer Center to process the complex atomic data. The findings provide a more precise reference point for scientists as they investigate how silver and other heavy elements are distributed throughout the Milky Way. The team plans to apply this specific spectroscopic method to other stars to map the chemical evolution of the universe over time.