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By far the most common type of star is the red dwarf star. These stars are between 7.5% and 50% of the mass of the Sun. About half the stars in the Milky Way are red dwarf stars. For example, Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Sun, has a mass of 12.3% of the Sun's mass, which comes to 2.4*10^29 kg.
The theoretical minimum of a star, burning hydrogen through nuclear fusion, is around 0.08 solar masses. The most massive known star is a blue hypergiant called R136a1. It's around 265 times more massive than our sun.
If a star is above the Chandrasekhar limit of about 1.4 solar masses, then the star cannot maintain its size due to the repulsive forces of the atomic nuclei; the star will collapse into a neutron star. If it is spinning (and most of them are) we might call it a "pulsar".
Anything below about 75 or 80 Jupiter masses would be called a brown dwarf, which doesn't get hot enough for nuclear fusion, except that it may fuse deuterium. And anything below about 13 Jupiter masses can't fuse deuterium either, and would be considered a planet.
A dying star sheds most of its mass during the red giant stage. Only a fraction of the mass is left behind in the white dwarf.
A white dwarf, because of it's structure can only form from a star that has a mass of between 0.6 and 1.4 Suns.
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This is known as the Chandrasekhar limit, it's around 1.4 solar masses or 2.8 × 10 to the power of 30 kg.
Above that mass, the white dwarf's "degeneracy pressure" isn't strong enough against the strong gravity, and it will collapse into a neutron star.
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How big and small can a star be?
Stars can range in size from tiny neutron stars that are only a few kilometers in diameter to supergiant stars that can be hundreds of times larger than our sun. The smallest stars are about 80 times the mass of Jupiter, while the largest stars can have masses that are over 100 times that of our sun.
Which kinds of stars are most common in a newly formed star cluster?
In a newly formed star cluster, low-mass stars like red dwarfs are the most common. These stars are more abundant than more massive stars like giants or supergiants. The cluster will typically have a range of stellar masses, but low-mass stars dominate in numbers.
What is a main sequence star with less than 0.4 solar masses?
A main sequence star with less than 0.4 solar masses would be classified as a red dwarf star. These stars are the smallest and coolest main sequence stars, with longer lifespans compared to higher mass stars. They are the most common type of star in the universe.
How can stellar masses be determined by observing binary star systems?
By observing the orbital motion of binary star systems, astronomers can apply Kepler's laws and measure the period and separation of the stars. By combining this data with the stars' luminosity and temperature, they can determine the masses of the stars using equations of motion and gravitational attraction.
Measurements of a binary star system are required to determine what property of the stars?
Measurements of a binary star system are required to determine their masses. By analyzing the orbital motion of the stars in the system, scientists can calculate the masses of the stars based on their gravitational interaction and orbital characteristics. This information provides crucial insights into the overall properties and evolution of the stars in the system.
How big and small can a star be?
Stars can range in size from tiny neutron stars that are only a few kilometers in diameter to supergiant stars that can be hundreds of times larger than our sun. The smallest stars are about 80 times the mass of Jupiter, while the largest stars can have masses that are over 100 times that of our sun.
How do the numbers of low-mass stars compare with those of higher-mass stars in new star clusters?
In a newly formed star cluster stars with low masses must greaty out number stars with high masses. High mass stars are rare and low mass stars are extremely common.
Who discovered Star dunes?
Stars don't have dunes, as they are masses of burning gas.
Which kinds of stars are most common in a newly formed star cluster?
In a newly formed star cluster, low-mass stars like red dwarfs are the most common. These stars are more abundant than more massive stars like giants or supergiants. The cluster will typically have a range of stellar masses, but low-mass stars dominate in numbers.
What is a main sequence star with less than 0.4 solar masses?
A main sequence star with less than 0.4 solar masses would be classified as a red dwarf star. These stars are the smallest and coolest main sequence stars, with longer lifespans compared to higher mass stars. They are the most common type of star in the universe.
How can stellar masses be determined by observing binary star systems?
By observing the orbital motion of binary star systems, astronomers can apply Kepler's laws and measure the period and separation of the stars. By combining this data with the stars' luminosity and temperature, they can determine the masses of the stars using equations of motion and gravitational attraction.
Why do stars with smaller masses burn longer than stars with larger masses?
Stars with larger masses have stronger gravity; this results in more pressure; which in turn makes the star hotter. As a result of the higher temperature, they will shine brighter, and burn their fuel much faster.
What is the range of masses for a supernova?
The range of masses for a supernova typically falls between about 8 to 50 times the mass of the sun. When a star that massive runs out of nuclear fuel, it undergoes a catastrophic collapse resulting in a supernova explosion. Smaller stars may end their lives in a different type of explosion called a nova.
What star has a temperature in the 3000 degrees?
A star with a temperature in the range of 3000 degrees Kelvin could be a red dwarf star, which is one of the coolest and most common types of stars in the universe. Red dwarfs are relatively small and dim compared to other stars, but they can still shine for billions of years.
Basic composition are all-stars born with?
All stars are born with Hydrogen making up 100% of their mass. As they spend their lives, the composition changes from star to star, depending on their masses.
Measurements of a binary star system are required to determine what property of the stars?
Measurements of a binary star system are required to determine their masses. By analyzing the orbital motion of the stars in the system, scientists can calculate the masses of the stars based on their gravitational interaction and orbital characteristics. This information provides crucial insights into the overall properties and evolution of the stars in the system.
What determines whether a very massive star will become a neutron?
Whether a star will become a neutron star is determined by its mass. Generally, stars that are more than 8 solar masses (have a mass that is more than 8 times that of our Sun), but are less than 15 solar masses will become neutron stars when they die.
