What distinguishes Pre-main-sequence stars from main sequence stars?

In summary, the Pre-main-sequence (PMS) refers to stars that are still in the early stages of formation within the nebular material they originated from. These stars have not yet reached the main sequence and are characterized by their red and luminous appearance on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. They can also be identified by their infrared emissions and location on the Hayashi track. The main sequence, on the other hand, consists of stars that have reached a stable state and fuse hydrogen to helium at high temperatures. The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is a useful tool for understanding the different stages of a star's life.
  • #1
envanyatar
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I've been reading articles on star formation and would like to know what the Pre-main-sequence actually stands for.

Since more or less each stage of the formation of a star have names what type of star are inclusive in the PMS? How can you point out a PMS star from a main sequence star?
 
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  • #2
I guess it refers to stars that are still in the nursery, so to speak, i.e. within the nebular material that they started from. The nuclear fusion in the core is not in complete control of the star.
 
  • #3
Stars need a initial gravatational collapse over thousands of years then a slow controdiction normally continues over millions of years until nuclear reactions begin once this happens it hits the main sequence.
 
  • #4
Stars basically form when there is sufficient local mass density to force gravitational collapse. It is a very inefficient process, so the initial gas mass must be large. Shock waves from neighboring SN are believed to assist the process.
 
  • #5
envanyatar said:
How can you point out a PMS star from a main sequence star?



There's a Diagram or chart if you will that this whole princible is based off of which is called the Hertzsprung-Russell or the (H-R)diagram.This diagram is basically luminosity plotted againsed tempature and as a star goes through it's life the Luminocity and the tempature change according to the diffrent stages it is in its life, you can plot a stars life according to it. stars will hit the main sequence at about 10 million K when it's tempature is high enough to fuse hydrogen to heluim.
 
  • #6
envanyatar said:
How can you point out a PMS star from a main sequence star?

Observationally, young stars tend to lie on the Hayashi track and are red and luminous. Main sequence stars, on the other hand, tend to lie on a particular line (the main sequence) on the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram (as Mariko pointed out), so are distinguishable by their colors and magnitudes. Also, young stars are often enshrouded in dust disks, causing them to shine brightly in the infrared.
 

Related to What distinguishes Pre-main-sequence stars from main sequence stars?

1. What is the process of star formation?

The process of star formation begins with a large cloud of gas and dust, typically found in interstellar space. These clouds are called molecular clouds and they can span hundreds of light-years. As gravity pulls the gas and dust together, it begins to contract and heat up. Eventually, the center becomes hot enough to ignite nuclear fusion and a star is born.

2. How long does it take for a star to form?

The time it takes for a star to form can vary depending on its mass. Smaller stars, like our sun, can take anywhere from 50 million to 100 million years to form. Larger stars, on the other hand, can form in just a few million years. This process can also be affected by external factors, such as nearby supernovae or the presence of a nearby star.

3. What factors determine the type of star that is formed?

The type of star that is formed is determined by several factors, including the mass of the cloud, the amount of gas and dust in the cloud, and the rate of star formation. The mass of the cloud is particularly important, as it determines how much of the gas and dust can be pulled together to form a star. The rate of star formation can also affect the type of star, as it can determine how much gas and dust is available for each star to form.

4. Can stars form in different shapes?

Yes, stars can form in different shapes depending on the conditions and environment in which they form. The most common shape for stars is spherical, but they can also form into elongated or flattened shapes. This is often due to the rotation of the gas and dust cloud, which can affect the shape of the star as it forms.

5. How do scientists study star formation?

Scientists study star formation through various methods, including observations using telescopes, computer simulations, and laboratory experiments. Telescopes allow scientists to observe young stars and their surrounding gas and dust clouds, while computer simulations and laboratory experiments can help them understand the physical processes that occur during star formation.

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