Did you know that there are multiple types of stars? Stars are giant balls of gas, hydrogen, and helium for the most part. Stars are mostly known for their shiny, captivating appearance in the night sky. However, there’s so much more to stars and what they really are that people aren’t aware of. Stars are a crucial part of the universe and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. In this article, I’m going to break down and explain the seven main types of stars and the lifecycle of stars.
How are stars made? Stars begin their life in a stellar nebula, which is a cloud of gas. This is the very first stage of a star’s life. Gravity pulls together gas and dust in a nebula. As it grows, the gravity increases and eventually collapses from its own gravity. The collapse heats up the core, becoming a star. This process can take a few thousand to millions of years and marks the birth of a new star, transitioning from a protostar into a main-sequence star. The time it takes for a new star to form depends on its size; the smaller the star, the quicker it will form.
Main sequence stars are the most common type of stars. If you ever look up at the sky at night, most of the stars you’ll see are main-sequence stars. Not only that, but main sequence stars are also the most stable in the universe. They represent the longest phase of the star’s life. During this phase, stars fuse hydrogen into helium in their core. This causes them to produce a lot of energy and makes them shine. Main sequence stars are divided into these types: O type, B type, A type, F type, G type, K type, and M type. The sun is a great example of a main sequence star, as it’s one of the most well-known stars. When a star uses up its hydrogen fuel, it begins to enter its final few stages. The star becomes a red giant or supergiant once the core contracts and the outer layers expand. During these phases, the star begins fusing heavier elements like helium into carbon and oxygen. When the star runs out of hydrogen, if the Star is small and low in mass, it becomes a white dwarf. If the star is large and high in mass, it might explode in a supernova.
The lifecycle of a star is a very interesting process. This process shows us how powerful the universe can be. Stars go through many phases throughout their lifetime, and every stage is important and contributes to our universe. Learning about stars helps us understand the universe, but it also educates us about the origins of life. It’s important to understand the basics of the different types of stars, as it helps us value and appreciate them.
