Can Stars Really Collide?

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of star collisions, specifically the theoretical and experimental aspects of such events. Participants explore different theories regarding the possibility of stars colliding, as well as ideas for simulating a star collision for a school project.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions uncertainty about the theories surrounding star collisions, noting an older belief that stars never collide and a newer perspective suggesting that collisions are possible.
  • Another participant recommends the Scientific American article as a starting point for research and encourages further questions after reading.
  • A question is posed regarding the comparison of densities between a white dwarf and the Sun, suggesting that understanding these differences could inform the simulation's validity.
  • One participant suggests that the high density of a white dwarf could potentially disrupt fusion processes in the Sun, drawing an analogy to lead rods in a fission reactor.
  • Another participant asserts that a white dwarf would likely penetrate the Sun due to its higher density, referencing the Scientific American article as a good simulation source.
  • A question is raised about the likelihood of universities conducting calculations related to star collisions, with a personal opinion expressed that it may not be common practice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of star collisions, with some supporting the idea while others reference older theories that suggest otherwise. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of density differences in the context of the proposed simulation.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the assumptions underlying the theories of star collisions, nor have they reached a consensus on the implications of density comparisons in their experimental approach.

BlackJack
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Well I have to make a project about star collision for my school. Now I'm not quite sure how to start, because there are some differen theories. My teacher said the old one is that star never collide, but the newer one (scientific american) says that it is possible ?
So where can I find some good information to that topic ?

Also I plan to simulate the collsion of a white dwarf and the sun, with a simple experiment:

-an air gun + water filled ballon
and the record that and make some conclusions about what would really happen.

Have you got any other ideas what I could do ?

please tell me :smile:
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
The Scientific American article is a good place to start; if you have questions after reading it (and the 'further reading' it mentions), by all means ask them here1

Re your simulation: how does the density of a white dwarf compare with the average density of the Sun (and its density at its core)? What is the ratio of the density of an airgun pellet and water? Considerations like these will help you describe the strengths and weaknesses of your simulation.
 
Dwarf star: could the presence of that much mass at such great density in the core of the Sun dampen fusion, like lead rods in a fission reactor?
 
@ the experiement : the white dwarf has fare more higher desinity so it would just cut through the sun (sciam: good simulation).


Is there a chance that a university would do some calculation about a collsion ? [?] imo probably not, maybe i just ask ^^
 

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