In
astronomy and
cosmology, the term "
metal" or
metal-rich is used to refer to any element heavier than
hydrogen and
helium. For example, a
nebula that was rich in carbon compounds would be called "metal-rich", even though carbon is not considered a metal in other contexts. Elements heavier than hydrogen and helium are distinguished by having been created by
nuclear fusion since the original formation of the
universe.
Earth's Sun is an example of a metal-rich star.
The term Metal-rich is also called Population I stars.
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