Month: July 2025

CORE HYDROGEN DEPLETION: The process where a star uses up the hydrogen in its core, signaling the end of its main sequence phase.

MAIN SEQUENCE STAR STABILITY: A star remains stable during the main sequence phase due to the balance between gravity and radiation pressure.

CONVECTIVE ZONE: The outer layer of a star where energy is transported by convection, involving rising and falling gases.

RADIATIVE ZONE: The layer of a star’s interior where energy is transported outward through radiation.

SOLAR MODEL: A theoretical model used to explain the structure and evolution of stars like the Sun.

MASS AND LUMINOSITY: Higher-mass main sequence stars are more luminous and have shorter lifespans than lower-mass stars.

STELLAR ATMOSPHERE: The outer layers of a star, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona.

STELLAR CORE: The innermost region of a star where nuclear fusion occurs, powering the star.

SUN’S LIFETIME ON MAIN SEQUENCE: Approximately 10 billion years, during which it steadily fuses hydrogen in its core.

SOLAR TYPE STARS: Stars similar in size and temperature to the Sun, located in the middle of the main sequence.