Toad said:If the stars in the Pleiades open cluster are about 100*10^6 years old, how do I find the mass of the stars that evolved away from the main sequence to form red giants? Any suggestions or comments are welcome!
The information I posted above is all I've been given. If there are common formulas for this available, I suppose I don't need to derive them.SpaceTiger said:What are you working from? Do they expect you to derive a relationship between mass and lifetime or just to know it?
Toad said:The information I posted above is all I've been given. If there are common formulas for this available, I suppose I don't need to derive them.
Toad said:Thanks for that page. Is there some way to relate the age of the star to its luminosity? Do I need to do that?
The mass of stars that have evolved away can be measured through a variety of methods, including studying their luminosity, velocity, and spectral features. These measurements can provide valuable information about a star's mass and evolutionary stage.
A star's mass is a crucial factor in determining its evolution. Higher mass stars burn through their fuel more quickly and end their lives in spectacular supernova explosions, while lower mass stars can live for billions of years and eventually fade into white dwarfs.
No, it is not possible to accurately determine the mass of a star based on its appearance alone. The size, color, and brightness of a star can give some indication of its mass, but other factors such as age, composition, and distance must also be taken into account.
The mass of a star plays a significant role in determining the habitability of its planetary system. Higher mass stars emit more intense radiation, making it difficult for planets to maintain stable atmospheres. Lower mass stars, on the other hand, may not provide enough energy for planets to sustain liquid water on their surfaces.
Yes, the mass of a star can change during its evolution through processes such as mass loss due to stellar winds or accretion from a companion star. This can affect the star's evolution and eventual fate, making it important to accurately measure the mass at different stages of a star's life.