An Am star or metallic-line star is a type of chemically peculiar star of spectral type A whose spectrum has strong and often variable absorption lines of metals such as zinc, strontium, zirconium, and barium, and deficiencies of others, such as calcium and scandium. These abnormalities are due to some elements which absorb more light being pushed towards the surface, while others sink under the force of gravity. This effect takes place only if the star has low rotational velocity.
Normally, A-type stars rotate quickly. Most Am stars form part of a binary system in which the rotation of the stars has been slowed by tidal braking.
The best-known metallic-line star is Sirius (α Canis Majoris.) The following table lists some metallic-line stars in order of descending apparent visual magnitude.
| Name | Bayer or other designation | Apparent visual magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Sirius A | α Canis Majoris A | −1.47 |
| Castor Ba | α Geminorum Ba | 2.96 |
| α Volantis | 4.00 | |
| Acubens A | α Cancri A | 4.26 |
| Kurhah | ξ Cephei | 4.29 |
| θ1 Crucis | 4.30 | |
| 2 Ursae Majoris | 5.46 | |
| τ3 Gruis | 5.72 | |
| WW Aurigae | 5.82 |
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