Explain the concept of star death

Astrophysics > 6. Stellar Evolution >

Explain the concept of star death in relation to:

  • planetary nebula
  • supernovae
  • white dwarfs
  • neutron stars/pulsars
  • black holes
  • Eventually, giant stars develop a core of material that cannot be fused, due to either:
    • Lack of energy for fusion.
    • The core being iron, which will not fuse to produce energy.
  • The shells surrounding the core are shed into space, and the core collapses under gravity.
  • The way in which this happens depends upon the mass of the star: