stellarevolution
Stellarevolution refers to the life cycle of stars, from formation in molecular clouds to their final remnants. It encompasses the structural changes, energy production, and chemical evolution that occur as stars age. The term is often used interchangeably with stellar evolution, though some writers distinguish the process from population-level dynamics.
Formation and main sequence: Stars form when clumps in molecular clouds collapse under gravity. As central
Post-main-sequence evolution: After hydrogen is depleted in the core, stars follow mass-dependent paths. Low- to intermediate-mass
End states and consequences: White dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes are the compact remnants of stellarevolution.
Observational framework: Stellarevolution is studied through the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, spectroscopy, asteroseismology, and the analysis of supernova