Tracing the Chemical DNA of the Small Magellanic Cloud’s Oldest Stars
The study analyzes 12 of the oldest stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud to trace how heavy elements formed early in the galaxy’s history. It finds that neutron-capture elements are dominated by the r-process, with large star-to-star variations caused by rare enrichment events and inefficient gas mixing. These patterns reflect the SMC’s slow star formation and distinct chemical evolution compared to the Milky Way.
The Small Magellanic Cloud: Mapping the Dance of Stars and Gas
The study explores the Small Magellanic Cloud's structure and evolution using Gaia data. Younger stars show rotation in a stretched disk, while older stars form a compact ellipsoid. Interactions with the Large Magellanic Cloud influence its shape, creating anomalies and stretching its stars and gas. This research highlights the dynamic history of the SMC and its ongoing transformation.