Taumax

Taumax is a term used in astrophysics to describe the maximum possible mass a star can possess. This limit is a theoretical construct derived from the physics of stellar evolution and the fundamental forces at play within stars. The concept of a stellar mass limit arises from considerations of radiation pressure and gravitational collapse. As a star accumulates mass, the internal pressure generated by nuclear fusion increases. However, this pressure is counteracted by gravity, which seeks to collapse the star. When the mass of a star becomes sufficiently large, the outward radiation pressure can exceed the inward pull of gravity, leading to instability.

The precise value of the Taumax is subject to ongoing research and depends on various factors, including the metallicity of the star (the abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium) and the rate at which it accretes mass. Early estimates for the upper mass limit were around 150 solar masses. However, more recent observations and theoretical models suggest that stars could potentially reach masses exceeding 300 solar masses, and possibly even higher under specific conditions, such as in extremely metal-poor environments or during rapid accretion phases in binary systems. Stars approaching the Taumax are often characterized by extremely high luminosities, rapid mass loss through stellar winds, and short lifespans. Understanding the Taumax is crucial for comprehending the upper boundaries of stellar evolution and the formation of the most massive stars in the universe.