Metallicity distribution function

The Metallicity distribution function is an important concept in stellar and galactic evolution. It is a curve of what proportion of stars have a particular metallicity (, the relative abundance of iron and hydrogen) of a population of stars such as in a cluster or galaxy. The Metallicity distribution function is an important concept in stellar and galactic evolution. It is a curve of what proportion of stars have a particular metallicity (, the relative abundance of iron and hydrogen) of a population of stars such as in a cluster or galaxy. MDFs are used to test different theories of galactic evolution. Much of the iron in a star will have come from earlier type Ia supernovae. Other metals can be produced in core collapse supernovae.