Exploring Helium Stars: Composition and Characteristics

In summary, there are stars known as Extreme Helium Stars whose cores are composed of helium. They are typically remnants of evolved stars, leaving behind a helium burning shell as their surface. However, there is also a rare model where colliding white dwarfs can create a star with a higher concentration of helium than other elements. It is possible for a smaller star to never reach the stage of hydrogen to helium conversion, but this would take a very long time and would result in a star older than the current age of the universe.
  • #1
Loren Booda
3,125
4
Are there stars primarily composed of helium?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
There are many stars whose CORES are composed of helium -- and even stars with cores of heavier elements.

- Warren
 
  • #3
Originally posted by Loren Booda
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.

But, there is one model where colliding white dwarfs could cause the combination of helium total to exceed the other elements. So, I guess the answer is probably yes, in rare occassion.
 
  • #4
A star that was smaller

than solar mass by a factor of two or three might never get past the Hydrogen to Helium stage but that would take a long time, it would be older than the universe is now before the Hydrogen was all used up.
 

1. What is a helium star?

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.

2. How are helium stars different from other types of stars?

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.

3. What can we learn from studying helium stars?

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.

4. How do scientists explore and study helium stars?

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.

5. Are helium stars important for our understanding of the universe?

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.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
10
Views
375
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
48
Views
688
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
705
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
14
Views
545
Back
Top