News Astronomy

Neutrinos hint the sun has more carbon and nitrogen than previously thought

Figuring out our star’s makeup is crucial for understanding the entire universe

photo of the sun

Made mostly of hydrogen and helium, the sun also has heavier elements such as carbon and nitrogen. But scientists disagree just how much of those heavier elements there are.

SOLO/ESA and NASA

By Ken Croswell

After two decades of debate, scientists are getting closer to figuring out exactly what the sun — and thus the whole universe — is made of.