ASPCS
 
Back to Volume
Paper: The Solar Metallicity Problem: What is the Solution?
Volume: 416, Solar-Stellar Dynamos as Revealed by Helio- and Asteroseismology: GONG 2008/SOHO 21
Page: 193
Authors: Basu, S.
Abstract: Since about 2004, there has been a lively debate among stellar physicists as to what the value of solar metallicity is. Prior to 2004, the value of Z/X for the Sun was assumed to be 0.018 as per the compilation of Grevesse & Sauval (1998). In 2004, however, a series of papers were published with lower values for the abundance of O, C and N in the solar photosphere, and Asplund, Grevesse & Sauval (2005) determined that Z/X for the Sun is only 0.0165. This lowering of abundances has serious consequences for solar and stellar models. In this review, I shall concentrate on the helioseismic effects of the new solar abundances. I shall concentrate not only on the more obvious effects that depend on opacities, but more subtle ones that depend on the equation of state and diffusion rates. I shall show how current helioseismic data implies a high value of Z/X for the Sun. I shall also point out some of the reasons that may cause the new spectroscopic solar metallicity measurements to disagree with helioseismic estimates.
Back to Volume