Life cycle of a star/HR diagram

Front

What is the life cycle of a star?

Back

The life cycle of a star is the series of stages a star goes through from its formation in a nebula to its end state, which can be a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space, where stars are born.

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What is a protostar?

Back

A protostar is a 'baby' star that is still gathering mass in a nebula and has not yet begun nuclear fusion.

Front

What happens during the main sequence phase of a star?

Back

During the main sequence phase, a star fuses hydrogen into helium in its core, producing energy and light.

Front

What is a red giant star?

Back

A red giant star is a phase in a star's life cycle where it expands and cools after exhausting hydrogen in its core.

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What is a white dwarf?

Back

A white dwarf is the remnant core of a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel and shed its outer layers.

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What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs at the end of a massive star's life cycle, resulting in a bright burst of light.

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What is a neutron star?

Back

A neutron star is the dense remnant of a supernova explosion, composed mostly of neutrons.

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What is the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram?

Back

The HR diagram is a scatter plot of stars showing the relationship between their absolute magnitudes or luminosities versus their stellar classifications or effective temperatures.

Front

What are blue giants?

Back

Blue giants are very hot, massive stars that are much brighter than the sun.