Stellar Evolution

Stellar evolution refers to the process by which a star undergoes changes throughout its lifespan. This encompasses all stages of a star’s life, from its formation in a nebula, through its main sequence phase, to its eventual end as a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole, depending on its mass. Stellar evolution is driven by the nuclear fusion processes occurring in a star’s core and the balance between gravitational forces and thermal pressure. Key stages include the protostar stage, main sequence stage (where most stars spend the majority of their lives), and various post-main sequence stages that result in the star’s death. The characteristics of a star at any given moment, including its temperature, luminosity, and size, reflect its evolutionary stage. Understanding stellar evolution is crucial for comprehending the lifecycle of stars, the chemical composition of galaxies, and the formation of planets and other celestial bodies.