Skip to main content

All Questions

2 votes
1 answer
320 views

Does the mass-luminosity relation work for brown dwarfs?

There is a mass-luminosity relationship of the form $L \propto M^a$, where $a = 3.5$, that is is applicable to main-sequence stars. Is there a similar relationship that holds for brown dwarfs?
user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
48 views

Strength of core-envelope coupling in stars (again)

I asked this on the physics SE but it received little attention: Consider a high-mass zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS) (e.g., $m_{\rm ZAMS} \gtrsim 30\,$M$_{\odot}$) star. I understand that the core-...
Daddy Kropotkin's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
200 views

How can I estimate how long will a main sequence star stay on the main sequence given its temperature?

I have a generic zero-age main sequence star. The only thing I know about it is its temperature. How can I estimate time time it spends on the main sequence (in millions of years)? I've seen equations ...
slowerthanstopped's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
191 views

Is it possible for a star to return in the main sequence?

Is it possible for a star to return to the main sequence after entered in the post-main sequence phase? I have no clue if there's a mechanism such as acquiring hydrogen from from the environment or ...
Dac0's user avatar
  • 316
3 votes
1 answer
325 views

What would happen to the Sun's evolution if it collided with another yellow dwarf?

How would the Sun evolve if it collided with another G-type main sequence star, perhaps a more massive one like Alpha Cen A? Since its mass would then be above the Chandrasekhar limit, could it ...
Greenhorn's user avatar
  • 293
12 votes
1 answer
434 views

Is there a relation between mass, radius, and luminosity in deuterium-burning brown dwarfs?

I'm a worldbuilder and my setting has a lot of brown dwarfs. While I'm trying to keep my setting as science-compliant as possible, I can't seem to find any resources for brown dwarfs like there are ...
TerranAmbassador's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
90 views

The mass of Subdwarf B progenitors in the main sequence

Note: By "progenitor", I mean "the star as it was when it was still main sequence". Please correct me if I've got the terminology wrong. Most B-type subdwarfs have mass roughly half that of the Sun. ...
Astrid_Redfern's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
552 views

Why does the convective core in an intermediate- to high-mass star shrink?

The image below shows the evolution of the hydrogen mass fraction profile for a 5 solar mass star in the main sequence. I would expect that the size of the convective core stays roughly constant as ...
Stefano's user avatar
  • 199
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is the turn-off point of the main sequence the same as the terminal-age main sequence?

The turn-off (TO) point is one tipping point on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram (HRD) where low-mass stars start to evolve from the main sequence (MS) toward lower temperatures. If I understand it ...
Stefano's user avatar
  • 199
4 votes
2 answers
234 views

Does the density in the core of a "higher mass" star stay generally constant while it evolves on the MS?

We know the CNO cycle produces the majority of energy production in a "higher mass star" of approx. over 2 solar masses and the core is convective due to the large temperature gradient. My professor ...
Astroturf's user avatar
  • 1,111
11 votes
1 answer
550 views

How does a star's rotation affect a star on the main sequence?

I searched and have found that the questions mainly focus on neutron stars, white dwarfs and black holes. This was not what I want. Basically, the bigger the star's mass is, the more intense its ...
Christmas Snow's user avatar
15 votes
2 answers
5k views

Does a star fuse helium to beryllium on the main sequence?

When a star has finished fusing all its hydrogen into helium, it will then start fusing helium into beryllium and so on and so forth up until iron. When the star is fusing to beryllium, will the ...
MiscellaneousUser's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
63 views

Are there simplified M-L, M-R, and lifetime equations for non main sequence stars?

To give some context - I am trying to create a simple program that outputs the stellar properties of a star when given its initial mass and current age. e.g. Input Initial Mass = 2e30kg Age = 4.6 ...
Danni111111's user avatar
4 votes
4 answers
4k views

Why is the main sequence often called 'zero age' main sequence?

The main sequence stage for a star begins after it stars burning hydrogen into helium. This is often referred to as the zero age main sequence. This is confusing since stars have already lived ...
Gabriel's user avatar
  • 822