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Loren Booda
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Are there stars primarily composed of helium?
There is a class designated "Extreme Helium Stars", but this comes from the spectra of the surface only where Hydrogen is low or lacking. Most would be the "remnant" (white dwarf) of an evolved star, leaving behind the outer helium burning shell as a "surface", even though the interior would still be composed mostly of carbon and oxygen.Originally posted by Loren Booda
Are there stars primarily composed of helium?
A helium star is a type of star that has a high abundance of helium in its outer layers. This is usually due to the star undergoing nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium at its core, which causes the outer layers to become enriched with helium.
Helium stars are different from other types of stars in terms of their composition and characteristics. They have a higher abundance of helium and a lower abundance of other elements compared to other stars. They also tend to be smaller and cooler than other stars due to their lower mass.
Studying helium stars can tell us about the process of nuclear fusion and how stars evolve. It can also provide insights into the composition and structure of the universe, as helium is one of the most abundant elements in the universe.
Scientists use various techniques such as spectroscopy and photometry to study the composition and characteristics of helium stars. They also use computer simulations and theoretical models to understand the processes happening within these stars.
Yes, helium stars are important for our understanding of the universe as they provide valuable insights into the life cycle of stars and the elements that make up our universe. They also play a role in the formation of other celestial bodies, such as planets and galaxies.