How can you estimate mass of star?

In summary, the relationship between a star's mass and its luminosity is known as the mass-luminosity relationship, where more massive stars are brighter due to burning fuel at a faster rate. The mass of a star affects its lifespan, with higher mass stars having a shorter lifespan. The mass of a star can be estimated from Earth through methods such as analyzing its orbital velocity or studying its spectral classification. While the mass of a star can change over time, it generally remains constant for most main sequence stars.
  • #1
dsisk559
5
0
Is there a way to estimate the mass of a star using Spectral Class and absolute magnitude?

If you can't then what info do I need in order to so.

Thanks,
Dan
 
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  • #2
From the absolute magnitude and the luminosity magnitude relationship you can pretty easily get the mass of a main sequence star.
L = M ^ 3.5 ( with L and M relative to the sun)

For larger or smaller stars there is a different exponent and sometimes slightly more complex relationship.
 

1. What is the relationship between a star's mass and its luminosity?

The relationship between a star's mass and its luminosity is known as the mass-luminosity relationship. This relationship states that the more massive a star is, the brighter it will be. This is due to the fact that more massive stars have a higher internal pressure, causing them to burn their fuel at a faster rate and emit more energy.

2. How does the mass of a star affect its lifespan?

The mass of a star directly impacts its lifespan. Higher mass stars have a shorter lifespan, as they burn through their fuel at a faster rate and therefore have a shorter time to live. On the other hand, lower mass stars have a longer lifespan as they burn their fuel at a slower rate and have a longer time to live.

3. Can we accurately measure the mass of a star from Earth?

Yes, we can estimate the mass of a star from Earth using various methods. One common method is through analyzing the star's orbital velocity within a binary star system. By measuring the orbital velocity and distance, scientists can calculate the mass of each star in the system.

4. How do we estimate the mass of a star that is not in a binary system?

For stars that are not in a binary system, we can estimate their mass by studying their spectral classification. This is based on the observed color and temperature of the star, which can give us an indication of its mass. The higher the temperature, the more massive the star is likely to be.

5. Can the mass of a star change over time?

Yes, the mass of a star can change over time. This is especially true for low mass stars, which can gain or lose mass through interactions with other stars or through processes such as stellar winds. However, for most main sequence stars, their mass remains relatively constant throughout their lifetime.

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