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Stellar Evolution & the Universe

The H-R Diagram, life cycles of stars, nucleosynthesis, redshift, and Big Bang evidence.

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Characteristics of Stars (H-R Diagram)

Plots stellar luminosity versus surface temperature and spectral class (O B A F G K M). Identifies Supergiants, Giants, Main Sequence, and White Dwarfs.

Reference Table p. 4

  • 1
    Upper left starsHot and extremely luminous (Blue Supergiants e.g., Rigel, Spica)
  • 2
    Upper right starsCool but highly luminous due to huge size (Red Supergiants e.g., Betelgeuse, Antares)
  • 3
    Lower left starsHot but dim due to small size (White Dwarfs e.g., Sirius B, Procyon B)
  • 4
    Main Sequence diagonalIncludes the Sun (yellow dwarf, luminosity = 1, ~6000 K)
  • 5
    Star color vs. temperatureBlue is hottest (30,000 K), Red is coolest (3,000 K)

Life Cycles of Stars Model & Nucleosynthesis

Stars form from gas and dust in nebulae. Sun-like stars end as white dwarfs; massive stars explode as supernovae, leaving neutron stars or black holes.

Reference Table p. 5

  • 1
    Star formation originStar-Forming Nebula (gravitational collapse of gas & dust)
  • 2
    Main sequence energy sourceNuclear fusion of Hydrogen into Helium (H → He)
  • 3
    Fate of Sun-like starRed Giant → Planetary Nebula → White Dwarf
  • 4
    Fate of massive star (>8-10 solar masses)Red Supergiant → Supernova → Neutron Star or Black Hole
  • 5
    Origin of elements heavier than ironFormed during Supernova explosions