Western Slope Skies: The Exotic Afterlife of Stars
The Helix Nebula, concealing a white dwarf(NASA/Spitzer/GALEX)
In a Western Slope Skies feature last fall, we discussed the cosmic origins of the chemical elements, including the process of stellar nucleosynthesis. From simple hydrogen and helium, stars construct more complex atoms through nuclear fusion, subsequently producing intense radiation pressure. In détente with a star’s compressive gravitation, this pressure shapes a star’s structure and size. As stars age, nucleosynthesis diminishes. Eventually gravity overcomes radiation pressure, precipitating stellar collapse and mass loss. A…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.