maggiemicmuc said:I'm wondering how realistic it is for a 50 solar mass star to have a core temperature of 3.14*(10^7) K. This isn't much greater than the core temperature of the sun, which is 1.5*(10^7) K. Have I made some huge miscalculation, or does this seem feasible?
Thanks.
The core temperature of stars can vary greatly depending on their size, age, and composition. However, on average, the core temperature of stars ranges from about 10 million to 20 million degrees Celsius.
The core temperature of stars is measured using a variety of methods, including spectroscopy, which analyzes the light emitted by a star to determine its temperature. Another method is through direct observation using telescopes and specialized instruments.
The core temperature of stars is important because it is a key factor in the process of nuclear fusion that powers a star. It also influences the star's size, luminosity, and lifespan.
As stars age, their core temperature can increase or decrease depending on their size and composition. For example, smaller stars like red dwarfs have lower core temperatures and can remain stable for billions of years, while larger stars like blue giants have higher core temperatures and burn through their fuel at a faster rate.
While we cannot directly observe the core temperature of stars from Earth, we can infer it through various methods, including studying the star's spectrum and observing changes in its brightness and size over time. Scientists also use computer models to simulate the conditions and temperatures inside stars.