Lithium star : 59 Vir

Recommended equipment : eShel, Lhires III
Time : one evening (acquisition)

59 Vir is a G0V type star, close to solar spectral type. But its spectrum display a stroing Li I (6708) absorption line. This star is rather young and lithium will disapear with time quicker than other element. Recent studies have even shown a correlation between lithium abundance and chances to find an exoplanet around the star.

Comparison 59 Vir & solar spectra

References  :

 

  • Kaler, “Stars and their spectra” p 145
  • Article of G. Herbig 1965ApJ…141..588H “Lithium Abundances in F5-G8 Dwarfs”