Lanthanum

Lanthanum assumes significance within astronomy due to its involvement in stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis processes. Formed during rapid neutron capture (r-process) events, particularly in phenomena like supernovae and neutron star mergers, lanthanum is part of the less abundant lanthanide group of elements in the cosmos. Its spectral lines, observable across various wavelengths including the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra, offer astronomers valuable insights into stellar conditions and processes.