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Hydrostatic Equilibrium
Hydrostatic Equilibrium
Main sequence stars are identified almost entirely by their mass and age. Over their life span, their size, luminosity, and surface temperature will fluctuate, and these changes will all be dictated by the star's mass and its age. The story of a star's main sequence will be one of balance, of hydrostatic equilibrium, in which the gravitational force pushes against gas pressure escaping the star's core. If a star experiences increased gravitational force, the core will burn hotter, increasing temperatures and the gas pressure, bringing the system back in balance. The inverse of this feedback loop holds true as well, if a star's gravitational forces decrease, the core will cool and the gas pressure will drop, maintaining the equilibrium once again.
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram depicts the relationship between stars' temperatures and their luminosities. Our understanding of these characteristics will become critical in our society's future should we become developed enough to harness the power of these incredible celestial bodies. For now, we use this diagram in conjunction with the star's mass and age to categorize each star in order to better understand the process of star birth, life, and death.
"You have surely performed your due diligence by explaining stars' main sequence so thoroughly, but what is to come after such a long period of relative stability?"
We appreciate your continuous feedback, Mr. LaQuatra. We would recommend that you move on to the Death of Stars in order to continue your quest for knowledge.
Feeling a little confused about where this all came from? Head back to the Birth of Stars in order to better your understanding of stars' origins.
Works Cited
Information:
“Stars, Supernovas and Neutron Stars.” The Physics of the Universe, The Physics of the Universe, 2018, www.physicsoftheuniverse.com/topics_blackholes_stars.html.
Taylor, David. “The Sun's Evolution.” The Life and Death of Stars, Northwestern University, June 2012, http://faculty.wcas.northwestern.edu/~infocom/The%20Website/evolution.html.
Images:
Top Banner: https://giphy.com/gifs/loop-space-PNf2Ke7gn6oDK
Hydrostatic Equilibrium: https://ryanoursun.wikispaces.com/
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram: https://socratic.org/questions/what-is-the-hertzsprung-russell-diagram-and-why-is-it-so-important-to-astronomy-
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