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tomjennings
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How would someone find the mass of an AGN when a solar luminosity is given? I know you can't simply use the mass-luminosity relationship since that only applies to main sequence stars, right?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Steely Dan said:Do you mean AGB star? And do you mean that its luminosity is given in units of the solar luminosity?
The mass of a giant star can be determined through several methods, including studying its orbital motion in a binary system, analyzing its luminosity and temperature, and observing its spectral lines.
The most accurate way to determine the mass of a giant star is through studying its orbital motion in a binary system. By measuring the period and distance between the two stars, the mass of the giant star can be calculated using Kepler's third law.
Yes, the mass of a giant star can change over time through processes such as mass loss in stellar winds or mass transfer in binary systems. However, these changes are usually gradual and do not significantly alter the overall mass of the star.
While observing a binary system is the most accurate method, the mass of a giant star can also be estimated using theoretical models based on its luminosity and temperature, as well as its position on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
The mass of a giant star plays a significant role in determining its lifespan. Generally, the more massive a star is, the shorter its lifespan will be due to increased nuclear fusion and energy consumption. However, other factors such as metallicity and stellar rotation can also impact a giant star's lifespan.