Iridium

Iridium stands as an element of substantial astronomical interest owing to its distinct properties and potential significance in unraveling celestial phenomena. Formed during nucleosynthesis processes within stars, notably in cataclysmic events like supernovae and neutron star mergers, iridium remains relatively scarce, contributing modestly to the diverse chemical composition observed in cosmic realms. Its unique spectral lines, particularly across specific wavelengths within the ultraviolet and visible spectra, serve as pivotal markers aiding astronomers in identifying iridium in stars and analyzing their compositions and conditions. However, detecting iridium in interstellar spaces or within stars poses challenges due to its relatively low abundance, potentially rendering its contribution to observed cosmic chemical compositions minimal or challenging to detect using current observational methodologies.