# EC 22536-5304: SALT identifies a new lead-rich intermediate helium subdwarf

## TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of EC 22536-5304, a hot subdwarf star with an unprecedented lead overabundance, identified through SALT spectra, revealing new insights into heavy-metal enrichment in such stars.

## Contribution

It presents the identification of the most lead-rich intermediate helium subdwarf, expanding understanding of heavy-metal enrichment in stellar atmospheres.

## Key findings

- EC 22536-5304 has a lead overabundance of 4.8 dex.
- The star's surface properties are similar to other heavy-metal subdwarfs.
- It is the most lead-rich intermediate helium subdwarf discovered.

## Abstract

SALT spectra of the helium-rich hot subdwarf EC22536-5304 show strong absorption lines of triply-ionized lead. Analysis of the HRS spectrum and a follow-up SALT/RSS spectrum show EC22536-5304 to have surface properties (temperature, gravity, helium/hydrogen ratio) similar to other heavy-metal subdwarfs. With a lead overabundance of 4.8 dex relative to solar, EC22536-5304 is the most lead-rich intermediate helium subdwarf discovered so far.