Discover the Mind-Blowing Count of 70 Sextillion Stars in the Universe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the estimated count of stars in the universe, specifically the figure of 70 sextillion stars, and explores related concepts such as the formation of black holes, the lifespan of stars, and the implications of these estimates. The scope includes theoretical considerations, speculative reasoning, and questions about observational limitations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a study claiming there are 70 sextillion stars, comparing this number to grains of sand on Earth.
  • One participant questions the implications of this number, particularly regarding the percentage of stars that might become black holes after supernova events.
  • Another participant suggests that only a small fraction of stars (specifically massive stars) can become black holes, challenging the earlier assumption of a higher percentage.
  • There is a discussion about the estimated number of stars being limited to the observable universe, with some participants noting that the actual number could be infinite.
  • Questions arise regarding the time frame of star existence and whether the estimate accounts for stars that have already died.
  • One participant humorously inquires if blinking during a supernova could prevent a black hole from forming.
  • Clarifications are made about the lifespan of black holes compared to stars, with references to the long timescales involved in both processes.
  • Concerns are raised about the interpretation of terms like "no-nova" and the duration of black hole existence following a supernova.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the percentage of stars that become black holes, the implications of the star count, and the nature of black hole existence. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about star lifetimes, the definitions of black holes, and the scope of the estimates regarding observable versus total stars in the universe.

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http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/07/22/stars.survey/index.html

Ever wanted to wish upon a star? Well, you have 70,000 million million million to choose from. That's the total number of stars in the known universe, according to a study by Australian astronomers. It's also about 10 times as many stars as grains of sand on all the world's beaches and deserts. The figure -- 7 followed by 22 zeros...
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
I wonder who gets to name them all.
 
How about the bad news?

Out of all the stars in the universe, how many will go on to make Blackholes?

Lets start with 70,000 million million million Stars, if a certain % go on to make Blackholes after going supernova, so how do we calculate the probable Blackhole count?

Ok, let's say there are ten percent of stars that go on to make BHs.
Then we can say that there is also one BH for every Galaxy in the Universe(presumed to be at Galactic core)someone has to estimate the Galaxy numbers.

The we have to estimate the lifetime of a BH, the average star exists over many million years, so what is the BH age compared to the lifetime of Stars, is it equivalent, millions of years?

A BH does not emmit radiation over millions of years, in fact it don't emit anything detectable, but let's say that a BH exists for the shortest possible moment at the end of a Stars life, the transitional moment from supernova to no-nova( moment a BH exists all light in vicinty ceases).

Anybody know what the total Blackhole count is for our Universe? a rough figure would suffice.
 
Also, if I blink during a supernova, can this stop a Blackhole appearing?
 
Originally posted by ranyart

Ok, let's say there are ten percent of stars that go on to make BHs.

Way too high of a percent. Only massive stars can become black holes (3.5 solar masses and above.)

The vast majority of stars are small and cool. (95% are smaller than our own sun.)

If you take the region around our sun as representative, There are over 150 stars within 30 ly, and not one candidate to become a black hole among them.
 
Are we talking about the estimated amount of stars in the
observable part of the Universe ?

Live long and prosper.
 
Shouldn't this be reported as the number of stars that have existed over some interval in time from our perspective...I guess 12 billion years? We don't really know how many are still out there do we? Or is this accounted for in the estimate; the number of starts that no longer exist but that can be seen?
 
Originally posted by drag
Are we talking about the estimated amount of stars in the
observable part of the Universe ?

That's right. The article says the actual number could be infinite.
 
Originally posted by ranyart
How about the bad news?

Why is a black hole bad news? (unless you're falling into one, of course)

The we have to estimate the lifetime of a BH, the average star exists over many million years, so what is the BH age compared to the lifetime of Stars, is it equivalent, millions of years?

The main sequence of a star can last millions/billions of years. The time it takes for a black hole to die (evaporate) depends on its size...but it's an incredibly long time...
http://itss.raytheon.com/cafe/qadir/q1025.html

but let's say that a BH exists for the shortest possible moment at the end of a Stars life, the transitional moment from supernova to no-nova( moment a BH exists all light in vicinty ceases).

[?]
Why would a black hole (from a stellar remnant) only exist for an instant?
What do you mean by "no-nova"?

Very large stars go supernova...that ejects lots of matter to space and then what's left of the core collapses into a black hole which then persists for what might as well be considered forever (see link above)
 
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