Understanding the Expansion of the Universe Through Low Mass Star Death

In summary, the end points in the life of low mass stars, specifically white dwarfs, can provide astronomers with information about the expansion history of the universe. By confirming the age of these stars, which are believed to have formed 1 billion years after the big bang, astronomers can also confirm or challenge predictions about the age of the universe based on its expansion. This was recently demonstrated when astronomers used the oldest white dwarf stars to test the age of the universe.
  • #1
physicshelp1
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Hello,

I really need help answering this question.

I know when low mass stars die, they become white dwarfs (if their mass is less than 1.4M).

But I don't know why the end points in the life of low mass stars help astromomers to understand the expansion history of the universe.

How do they show anything about the universe expanding?

Please help!

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Astronomers were recently using the oldest white dwarf stars to give another test of the age of the universe. Stars are believed to have first formed 1 billion years after the big bang according to evidence from Hubble. If the age of these old stars can be confirmed with some degree of accuracy then they can confirm the age predictions based on the expansion of the universe or throw the theory into doubt. There is a NASA article about this located here:

http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/star/white-dwarf/2002/10/text/

I hope that was something like what you were thinking about.
 
  • #3
for reaching out for help with this question. The expansion of the universe is a complex concept and can be difficult to understand, so it's great that you're seeking clarification on how low mass star death can help astronomers understand it.

To answer your question, the end points in the life of low mass stars can provide valuable information about the expansion history of the universe because they are closely related to the age and size of the universe. As you mentioned, when low mass stars die, they become white dwarfs. This process is known as stellar evolution and it occurs due to the depletion of the star's nuclear fuel. The time it takes for a star to evolve into a white dwarf is directly related to its initial mass. The lower the mass of the star, the longer it takes to evolve into a white dwarf.

Now, let's consider the age of the universe. Scientists estimate that the universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old. This means that the oldest white dwarfs we observe today are also 13.8 billion years old. By studying the properties of these white dwarfs, astronomers can determine the age of the universe. This is because the white dwarfs' properties are directly related to how long they have been evolving since their birth as low mass stars.

Additionally, the size of the universe is also related to the expansion history. As the universe expands, the distance between objects in space increases. This also means that the light from distant objects takes longer to reach us. So, when we observe a white dwarf that is 13.8 billion light years away, we are actually seeing it as it was 13.8 billion years ago. This allows us to study the properties of the white dwarf and compare them to those of a younger white dwarf that is closer to us. By doing this, we can track the changes in the universe's expansion over time.

In summary, the study of low mass star death, specifically the evolution of low mass stars into white dwarfs, can provide valuable insights into the age and size of the universe. By understanding the properties of these white dwarfs and how they change over time, astronomers can gain a better understanding of the expansion history of the universe. I hope this helps to clarify how low mass star death is connected to the expansion of the universe. Keep exploring and learning about this fascinating topic!
 

1. What is the "death" of a low mass star?

The "death" of a low mass star refers to the final stages of its life cycle, where it runs out of fuel and can no longer sustain nuclear fusion in its core. This results in the star collapsing and ultimately ending its life.

2. How does a low mass star die?

A low mass star dies by going through a series of stages, including the red giant phase, where it expands and becomes cooler, and the planetary nebula phase, where it sheds its outer layers. Eventually, the star's core will collapse and form a white dwarf, which is the final stage of a low mass star's life.

3. What factors determine the death of a low mass star?

The death of a low mass star is primarily determined by its initial mass. The lower the mass, the longer the star's life cycle will be. Other factors, such as the amount of fuel and the rate of nuclear fusion, also play a role in the star's death.

4. What happens to the planets orbiting a low mass star when it dies?

When a low mass star dies, its outer layers are shed, which can have a significant impact on any planets orbiting it. The intense heat and radiation from the dying star can cause the planets to lose their atmospheres and potentially be destroyed.

5. Can a low mass star's death have any impact on other stars or objects in the universe?

The death of a low mass star can have a significant impact on its surrounding environment. For example, when a low mass star dies, it releases heavy elements and gas into space, which can eventually form new stars and planets. Additionally, the gravitational effects of a dying star can also influence nearby objects and potentially lead to the formation of new structures in the universe.

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