Life cycle of a star

Life cycle of a star

1. A life cycle is defined as the developmental stages that occur during an organism's lifetime. 2. A star converts hydrogen atoms into helium over its course of life at its core. Eventually, the hydrogen fuel runs out, and the internal reaction stops. Without the reactions occurring at the core, a star contracts inward through gravity causing it to expand. 1. Giant Gas Cloud A star originates from a large cloud of gas. The temperature in the cloud is low enough for the synthesis of molecules. The Orion cloud complex in the Orion system is an example of a star in this stage of life. 2. Protostar When the gas particles in the molecular cloud run into each other, heat energy is produced. This results in the formation of a warm clump of molecules referred to as the Protostar. The creation of Protostars can be seen through infrared vision as the Protostars are warmer than other materials in the molecular cloud. Several Protostars can be formed in one cloud, depending on the size of the molecular cloud. 3. T-Tauri Phase A T-Tauri star begins when materials stop falling into the Protostar and release tremendous amounts of energy. The mean temperature of the Tauri star isn’t enough to support nuclear fusion at its core. The T-Tauri star lasts for about 100 million years, following which it enters the most extended phase of development – the Main sequence phase. 4. Main Sequence The main sequence phase is the stage in development where the core temperature reaches the point for the fusion to commence. In this process, the protons of hydrogen are converted into atoms of helium. This reaction is exothermic; it gives off more heat than it requires and so the core of a main-sequence star releases a tremendous amount of energy.

Life cycle of a star

The life cycle of a star depends on its mass, with small stars living longer than massive stars. Small stars Red dwarfs: Low-mass stars that fuse hydrogen slowly and can live for billions of years Sun-like stars: Mid-sized stars that spend about 10 billion years on the main sequence Planetary nebula phase: Stars like the Sun go through this phase before becoming white dwarfs White dwarf phase: Stars like the Sun eventually become white dwarfs and then black dwarfs Massive stars Supergiants: Hot stars that leave the main sequence after a few million years Supernova: Massive stars explode as a supernova, scattering materials into space Neutron stars or black holes: Massive stars end up as either neutron stars or black holes, depending on their size General trends Stars with more mass burn fuel faster than stars with less mass Stars with more mass have higher core temperatures due to greater gravitational forces Stars with more mass are hotter and appear white or blue white, while low mass stars are cooler and appear reddish Stars go through a natural cycle, much like any living beings. This cycle begins with birth, expands through a lifespan characterized by change and growth, and ultimately leads to death. The time frame in the life cycle of stars is entirely different from the life cycle of a living being, lasting in the order of billions of years. In this piece of article, let us discuss the life cycle of stars and its different stages. Massive stars transform into supernovae, neutron stars and black holes while average stars like the sun, end life as a white dwarf surrounded by a disappearing planetary nebula.

Stellar catalog

Stars

V puppis

Beta Virginis

Alpha Phoenicis

Psi Velorum

HD 85512

Tau Bootis

GJ 1214

Zeta Cancri

Stars

Xi Geminorum

HD40307

References: References : Nasa Science. (15/03/2025). Tau Boötis. Recovered from: https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/hd-40307-g/ Stellar catalog. (15/03/2025). Star Tau Boötis. Recovered from: https://www.stellarcatalog.com/estrellas/hd-40307 Imagine the Universe. (16/03/2025). Lyfe Cycles of Stars. Recovered from: https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/educators/lifecycles/LC_main3.html Los Angeles Times. (16/03/2025). Scientific and cultural impact of Tau Boötis. Recovered from: https://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-sun-magnetic-field-flip-20130807-story.html References: Nasa Science. (15/03/2025). Star HD 40307. Recovered from: https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/hd-40307-g/ Stellar catalog. (15/03/2025). Recovered from: https://www.stellarcatalog.com/estrellas/hd-40307 Physorg. (16/03/2025). Scientific and cultural impact of the HD 40307 star. Recovered from: https://phys.org/news/2012-11-astronomers-tantalizing-hints-potentially-habitable.html Imagine the Universe. (16/03/2025). Lyfe Cycles of Stars. Recovered from: https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/educators/lifecycles/LC_main3.html

zeta cancri ◦ Name: tegmine (zeta cancri) ◦ Lype of star: GOV ◦ Surface temperature in kelvin: 5778K ◦ Color: yellow ◦ Electromagnetic spectrum: green ◦ Wavelength: 516nm ◦ Relationship between color and temperature: 516nm which means that the true color of the star is green. ◦ Size ad radius: 1.27 times the radius of the sun ◦ Mass: 1.1 solar masses

° Luminosity: 7.45 ◦ Hertzsprung-russel diagram classification: súper Giant star ◦ Constellation: cancer ◦ Distance form earth: 35.65 ly ◦ Actual evolution stage: currently in the hydrogen-burning phase of their life cycle ◦ Possible fate: will eventually evolve into red giants, shed their outer layers, and end their lives as white dwarfs. ◦ Scientific or cultural impact: has been pivotal in studying the dynamics of hierarchical systems. ◦ Planets and exoplanets: no confirmed

Psi Velorum Physical properties: Name and type of Star: Psi Velorum. Subgiant (High proper motion star Spectral class F0 IV). Surface temperature in Kelvin: 7,122K Color and electromagnetic spectrum (in nanometers): 407nm. Relationship between color and temperature (calculate the wavelength of each star using Wien's law and compare your results with the true color of the Star): The color is Yellow but when I calculate the wavelength the true color is Violet. Size and radius (compared with the Sun): 200 % R Sun (estimate). Mass (in solar masses): 144 % M Sun. Luminous and energetic properties: Luminosity (compared to the Sun): 10.73 L.

Hertzsprung-Russel diagram classification (main sequence, giant, etc) : Subgiant. Location: Constellation: Southern hemisphere (Vela). Distance from Earth (in light years): 60.52 Light Years. Evolution and life cycle: Actual evolution stage (main sequence, old, etc): 1.3 billion Yrs. Old. Usually lasts between 2 and 4 billion Yrs. Possible fate (white dwarf, neutron star, black hole, etc): Likely to explode as a supernova into a black hole. Space exploration: Scientific or cultural impact (Was it studied by space missions? Any related mythology?): Yes mythology, from Greece known as ¨The Sails¨ to go after the Golden Fleece for the goddess Athena. Planets and exoplanets (if any): No, there are no known exoplanets in this system. .

Name: GJ1214 Type: It is a single star of spectral class M4V Temperature: 3250 K Color: Red, 625-750 Wavelength: 891.4nm Radius: 143.600 km, 22% R sun Mass: 17.8 M sun Luminosity: 0.00328 L sun Single star It's located in the Ofiuco constellations. Its 47.754 ly away from the sun Evolution state: single star

Possible fate: it's to have atmosphere stripped. Scientific and cultural impact: Its unique characteristics, such as potential water-rich clouds, make it an intriguing candidate for exploring the conditions that might support life. GJ 1214 has captured the imagination of the public and scientists alike, often referred to as a "water world" or "super-Venus." Its discovery has sparked curiosity about the possibilities of exotic planets beyond our solar system. Exoplanet: GJ 1214 b

Beta virginis ◦ Name: beta Virginis ◦ Type of star: F9V ◦ Surface temperature in kelvin: 6159 ◦ Color: yellow-white ◦ Electromagnetic spectrum: blue ◦ Wavelength: 484nm ◦ Relationship between color and temperature: 484nm which means that the true color of the star is blue. ◦ Size ad radius: 168% of the radius of the sun ◦ Mass: 141.3% M sun ◦ Luminositx: 3.572 L ◦ Hertzsprung-russel diagram classification: main sequence star ◦ Constellation: virgo ◦ Distance form earth: 35.65 lx

Actual evolution stage: is an F-type main-sequence star that is nearing the end of its lifetime. It is a large, metal-rich star that is generating energy through hydrogen fusion in its core ◦ Possible fate: will eventually exhaust the hydrogen in its core. ◦ Scientific or cultural impact: has been studied using asteroseismology, which examines oscillations in stars to understand their internal structure

Type: Type-K Surface temperature in kelvin: 108.90 Kelvin Color: Orange Electromagnetic spectrum: Wavelenght: 639.51nm (soft green) The real color of the star is orange but in the waveleght I calculate is soft green. Relationship between color and temperature: HD 85512 is an orange star because of its temperature that is lower than the sun. Size and radius: 50 % of the size of Sun, 0.81 times the radius of the Sun Mass: 69% M sun Luminosity: 0.126 L sun Hertzsprung-Russel diagram classification:..... Constellation: Vela Distance from earth: 36.8 light-years away from Earth.

Scientific and cultural impact: The exoplanet that has HD 85512 has an important impact because we can study potential life-supporting conditions in exoplanet systems. Actual evolution stage: HD 85512 is in the main sequence phase of its life cycle. Possible fate: will continue to burn hydrogen for several billion more years before eventually transitioning into a red giant. Planets and exoplanets: HD 85512 is an exoplanet orbiting it.

V Puppis Type: Main sequence Surface temperature in kelvin: 26.600 Kelvin. Color: Blue Electromagnetic spectrum: 450 nm aprox (blue) Wavelenght: 108.90nm Relationship between color and temperature: The real color of the star is blue but the waveleght that I calculate saids that is violet. Size and radius: 1,400 times the radius of the Sun. Mass: 15-20 times the mass of the Sun. Luminosity: 7587.56 L sun

Hertzsprung-Russel diagram classification:.... Constellation: Puppis Distance from earth: 1177.48 light-years away from Earth Scientific and cultural impact: Its study helps astronomers understand the stars just before they undergo supernova explosions. Represent the extreme end of stellar life cycles. Actual evolution stage: V Puppis is in the red supergiant phase of its evolution. Possible fate: V Puppis will likely end its life in a supernova explosion or black hole.

Name: Xi Geminorum Type: is a variable giant star of spectral class F5 Temperature: 6480 K Color: blue, 440-485nm Wavelenght: 447.07 Radius: 1,8853km, 271% R sun Mass:170.6% M sun Luminosity:11.574 L sun Giant star Located at the gemini constellation. Its 60.188 ly away from the sun Evolution state: giant star Possible fate: red giant Scientific and cultural impact: Xi Geminorum provides valuable data for understanding the transition of stars from the main sequence to later stages of evolution. As part of the Gemini constellation, it contributes to the mythological narrative of Castor and Pollux, the twin brothers celebrated in various ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman mythology. There are no know exoplanets in the star system Xi geminorum

• HD 40307 g is a Neptune-like exoplanet that orbits a K-type star, also known as small orange star. • Temperature on its surface is around 4774 K • Its color is orange, 590-625nm • Wavelength= 606.83nm • It has a radius of 498,100km, 72%R sun. • It has a mass of the 75% of the sun mass. • Luminosity: 0.23 L sun • Main sequence star • It’s located at the Pictor constellation. • It´s 42.179 light years away from the sun • Evolution state: Main sequence • Possible fate: white dwarf • Scientific and cultural impact: Star HD 40307 has previously been found to hold three "super-Earth" exoplanets in close orbit. Now, a team of researchers poring over data from ESO's HARPS planet-hunting instrument are suggesting that there are likely at least six super-Earth exoplanets orbiting HD 40307—with one of them appearing to be tucked neatly into the star's water-friendly "Goldilocks" zone . • The HD 40307 star has at least three planets and exoplanets: HD 40307 b, HD 40307 f, and HD 40307 g

Tau Boötis is a F-type star, it consists of a subgiant and a red dwarf. • Temperature on its surface: 6399 K • Its color is blue: 480-405nm. • Wavelength= 452.73nm • Radius: 142%R of the sun • It has a mass of the 139% of the sun mass. • Luminosity: 3.06L sun • It is a Main sequence star. • It is located at the Boötes constellation. • It´s 50.95 light years away from the sun • Actual evolution state: Main sequence • Possible fate: white dwarf • Scientific and cultural impact: “For Tau Boo, tidal interactions between the star and the planet might be an important factor in accelerating the cycle, but we can’t be sure of the cause,” said Fares. Tau Boo spins on its axis once every 3.3 days — the same amount of time as it takes the hot Jupiter to complete one orbit. One hypothesis for Tau Boo’s rapid cycle is that the planet makes it rotate faster than usual, and this is affecting the generation of the magnetic field. “There are still some big questions about what’s causing Tau Boo’s rapid magnetic cycle,” said Fares. “From our survey, we can say that each planetary system is particular, that interactions affect stars and planets differently, and that they depend on the masses, distance, and other properties.” We still don’t really know why the Sun’s magnetic field flips like this in the first place. So, having a second example of stellar magnetic field flipping to compare the sun’s behavior against should be extremely helpful to scientists working to understand this phenomenon. • Planets and exoplanets: The star system Tau Boötis has a main star, Tau Boötis A, and an exoplanet, Tau Boötis b.

Alpha Phoenicis Physical properties: Name and type of Star: Alpha Phoenicis (Ankaa) is a Giant K-Type Star (K0.5lllb). Surface temperature in Kelvin: 4,436 K. Color: Red/Orange Hue. Electromagnetic spectrum (in nanometers): 653 nm. Relationship between color and temperature (calculate the wavelength of each star using Wien's law and compare your results with the true color of the Star): The color is Orange but when I calculate the wavelength the true color is Light Green/Yellow. Size and radius (compared with the Sun): 1,500%R Sun. It is 15 times bigger than the Sun. Mass (in solar masses): 157% M Sun. Luminous and energetic properties: Luminosity (compared to the Sun): 83L.

Possible fate (white dwarf, neutron star, black hole, etc): White dwarf. Space exploration: Scientific or cultural impact (Was it studied by space missions? Any related mythology?): Yes, historical and cultural importance of renewal, rebirth and transformation. There is a mythical bird called the Phoenix from Egypt that rose from the ashes and lived hundreds of years. It symbolizes immortality and resurrection. Planets and exoplanets (if any): No, there are no known exoplanets in this system.

Hertzsprung-Russel diagram classification (main sequence, giant, etc): Giant. Location: Constellation: Southern Constellation Phoenix. Distance from Earth (in light years): 85 Light Years. Evolution and life cycle: Actual evolution stage (main sequence, old, etc):  It is thought to be amid a short helium burning phase.