Population ii

/ˌpɑpjəˈleɪʃən tu/ noun

Definition

Old, metal-poor stars found primarily in globular clusters and the galactic halo, formed when the universe contained very few elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. These ancient stars are among the oldest objects in our galaxy.

Etymology

Also defined by Walter Baade in 1944 during his studies of stellar populations in galaxies. Despite being numbered 'II,' these stars are actually older than Population I stars, representing the first generation of long-lived stars in the universe.

Kelly Says

Population II stars are cosmic fossils that remember when the universe was young and simple! These stellar elders formed when the periodic table was nearly empty, containing mostly just hydrogen and helium from the Big Bang.

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