Stars and HR Diagrams

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What is a Main Sequence Star?

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A Main Sequence Star is a star that is in the stable phase of its life cycle, where it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core. This phase lasts for the majority of a star's life.

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What happens to a low mass star after the Main Sequence?

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After the Main Sequence, a low mass star becomes a Red Giant, where it expands and cools as it begins to fuse helium.

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What is the next stage for a high mass star after the Main Sequence?

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After the Main Sequence, a high mass star becomes a Supergiant, which is much larger and hotter than a Red Giant.

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What is the life cycle of a massive star?

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The life cycle of a massive star is: Nebula -> Protostar -> Main Sequence -> Red Supergiant -> Supernova -> Black Hole.

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What does the H-R Diagram represent?

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The H-R Diagram (Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram) shows the relationship between a star's surface temperature and its absolute magnitude (brightness).

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What is a Red Giant?

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A Red Giant is a late stage in the life of a star, characterized by a large size and a cooler surface temperature, resulting in a reddish color.

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What is a Supernova?

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A Supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs at the end of a massive star's life cycle, resulting in the star's outer layers being expelled into space.

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What is a Black Hole?

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A Black Hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

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What is a Nebula?

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A Nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space, often the birthplace of stars.

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What is a Protostar?

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A Protostar is an early stage in the formation of a star, where the gas and dust in a nebula begin to collapse under gravity.