Testing the Solar Lithium Abundance with a Survival Model

Abstract The lithium abundance [ A (Li)] in FGK-type stars remains widely debated due to complex depletion mechanisms. The Sun presents a particularly puzzling case, with current photospheric measurements yielding A (Li) ⊙ = 0.96 ± 0.05 dex, significantly lower than the predicted for stars of its age, as estimated in earlier studies. Our survival analysis—developed in a previous work—suggests A (Li) ⊙ = 1.71 ± 0.03 dex, revealing a 7–8 σ discrepancy with observations. Here, we showcase the results of our model specifically for the Sun and briefly discuss the potential causes for the additional depletion mechanisms that could explain its unexpectedly low Li content.