Origin of deviations in light r-process element abundances from the universal pattern

Determine the origin of the deviations of light r-process element abundances (e.g., Sr, Y, Zr) from the “universal” r-process pattern observed for rare-earth and third-peak elements in r-process-enhanced stars.

Background

The abundance patterns of heavy r-process elements (rare earths and third peak) in r-process-enhanced stars closely follow a universal template, but lighter r-process elements often do not.

Understanding why these lighter elements deviate is essential for constraining r-process conditions and possible multiple sites or processes contributing to early Galactic chemical enrichment.