- #1
MRCHEM
- 20
- 0
how come stars burn at space if there is no oxygen in space?
In summary, stars burning in space pose many unanswered questions for scientists. Despite advancements in technology and our understanding of the universe, there are still mysteries surrounding the life cycle of stars, their formation, and the processes that cause them to burn. Additionally, the role of stars in the evolution of galaxies and their impact on the surrounding environment continues to be a topic of research. Further exploration and study of these enigmatic celestial bodies will help us gain a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it.
- #2
EL
Science Advisor
- 558
- 0
Stars do not "burn" in the same way as a fire.MRCHEM said:how come stars burn at space if there is no oxygen in space?
Stars "burn" thanks to fusion processes, see e.g.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion#Astrophysical_reaction_chains
- #3
MRCHEM
- 20
- 0
and also the sun?
- #4
berkeman
Mentor
- 68,393
- 22,251
Yes. The sun is our local star.
- #5
MRCHEM
- 20
- 0
oooh fusion yess.. what's that i can't understand the link above
- #6
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,296
- 41
Nuclear fusion is the process of combining light nuclei, like hydrogen, into heavier nuclei, like helium. The process releases energy.
- Warren
- Warren
FAQ: Stars Burning in Space: Unanswered Questions
What causes stars to burn in space?
Stars burn through a process called nuclear fusion. This is when hydrogen atoms fuse together to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. This energy is what makes stars shine and produce heat.
Do all stars burn at the same rate?
No, the rate at which a star burns depends on its mass. More massive stars burn brighter and hotter, but they also have shorter lifespans compared to smaller stars.
Why do some stars die and others continue to burn?
Stars die when they run out of fuel to sustain nuclear fusion. This can happen in different ways depending on the size of the star. Smaller stars, like our sun, will eventually expand into a red giant and then shrink into a white dwarf. Larger stars will go through a series of stages before exploding in a supernova.
What happens to the remnants of a dying star?
The remnants of a dying star depend on its mass. Smaller stars will form a white dwarf, which is a dense, hot core that slowly cools over time. Larger stars will either become a neutron star or a black hole, which are incredibly dense objects with strong gravitational forces.
Are there still unanswered questions about stars burning in space?
Yes, there are still many unanswered questions about stars and their behavior in space. Some current areas of research include understanding the mechanisms behind stellar explosions, determining the fate of stars in binary systems, and studying the effects of star formation on galaxy evolution.
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