The Lifecycle of Stars

Measuring stars
Constellations are groups of stars that make a picture: big dipper Orion

Measuring distance
A Light year is the distance light travels in one Earth year It is a measure of distance NOT speed!

Measuring brightness
Magnitude is the brightness Absolute magnitude is the actual brightness of a star Apparent magnitude is how bright a star appears from Earth

Luminosity is the energy output from the surface of a star per second

 All stars have nearly identical composition Their differences in appearance is a result of their differences in surface temperatures
Blue White Yellow Orange Red 40,000K (~71,000oF) 10,000K 7,000K 5,000K 3,000K (~4,900oF)

 Star size (mass) can also vary Our sun = 1 solar mass (2x1030kg) Giants = are 8-30 solar masses Super giants = 30-70 solar masses
Also called super massive

H-R Diagram
Plots data of mass, diameter, temperature, luminosity Y-axis plots absolute magnitude X-axis temperature (and spectral type) Main sequence90% of all stars fall w/i this band of stars on the diagram
These stars all have similar properties of structure and function

HR Diagram

Stellar Evolution
Stars have a lifecycle Birth of the star is a nebula Maturity is main sequence Old age are red giants or super giants Death are white dwarf, neutron star, black hole

Star Formation
All stars begin the same way but their evolution is determined by their mass

Black Hole Warping of space due to gravity