The chemistry of stars
Stars are formed from clouds of gas and dust, which collapse under huge gravitational forces. The chemical composition of a star tells scientists about where it formed and how it ended up in its current position, thereby painting a better picture of the evolution of the galaxy over time.
Gaia’s data reveals what stars are made of. The reddish stars indicate that they are richer in metals, and therefore created later in the universe’s history. Elements heavier than iron are forged in supernovae, the explosive deaths of large stars.
