Science of Stars

Science of Stars

Astronomy

SCI/151

July 11, 2013

Science of Stars

The information contained in this paper will explain the science of the stars. Other information in this paper will be a description of how astronomical instruments aid astronomers in determining the rotation rate of distant objects, speed, temperature, and composition. Also, the author will provide an explanation of the properties of stars in the Hertzsprung - Russell diagram. In conclusion, the complete lifecycle of the Sun will be explained, along with a determination of where the Sun is in its lifecycle.

What is a star?

The definition of a star is a gaseous mass that generates energy by thermonuclear reactions. The primary composition of stars is helium and nitrogen gas the core of a star is hot and dense. The sun is the largest star and has the same composition of the smaller stars. The temperatures in the core of a star are very hot due to the atoms moving quickly and colliding with each other thus forming larger atoms and releasing a large amount of energy this is called nuclear fusion. There are varying sizes of stars from minute hard to see to larger than the earth’s orbit. Histories of the stars are traced through the age, distribution, dynamics, composition and evolution of that specific galaxy.

Stars play a large role in the planetary systems around them by distributing and manufacturing nitrogen, carbon and oxygen. According to Origins of Science Road Map, 2000 we have learned that the lightest chemical elements were synthesized in the Big Bang, but that the heavier elements were made into stars. When the more massive stars exploded as supernovae, they enriched the material out of what would be subsequent generations of stars with an ever-increasing amount of these heavy elements. The raw materials that are involved with planet...