Population III stars

Population III stars are the very first stars formed in the universe, emerging from clouds of the simplest elements—mainly hydrogen and helium—after the Big Bang. Lacking heavier elements, they are thought to have been incredibly massive, hot, and luminous, burning through their fuel quickly. These stars played a crucial role in creating heavier elements needed for subsequent stars, planets, and life. Although no Population III stars have been directly observed yet, scientists study their potential impacts on cosmic evolution and look for indirect evidence of their existence in the universe.