In 1930, Chandra, an Indian student showed mathematically that massive stars explode into a supernova and then collapse down into neutron stars,or black holes. Before that Scientists assumed that all stars collapsed into white dwarfs when they died. Chandra’s theory was ridiculed as ‘absurd’.
stars
Most stars exist in binary or triple…
Most stars exist in binary or triple star systems. It is hypothesized that up to 85% of stars are gravitationally bound to another star in a multiple star system. Therefore, solitary stars (such as the Sun) are actually not the norm in the universe, but in fact are a rarity.
The star Mira has a surface that pulsates in such…
The star Mira has a surface that pulsates in such a way as to increase and decrease its brightness over periods ranging from about 80 to more than 1,000 days. This means sometimes the star is incredibly dim, while other times it is one of the brightest stars in its constellation.
Neutron stars can spin at a rate…
Neutron stars can spin at a rate of 600 rotations per second.
The Pleiades (a cluster of stars) were used…
The Pleiades (a cluster of stars) were used as a method for testing eyesight in ancient times, a soldier who could see at least 7 was given the job of scouts or archers.
There is a star in our galaxy that is 5 billion…
There is a star in our galaxy that is 5 billion times volume of our sun.
There are “lone planets” that roam endlessly through space without ever going…
There are “lone planets” that roam endlessly through space without ever going into orbit. They are actually predicted to be more common than stars.
After Betelgeuse goes supernova, it will be brighter than a full moon…
After Betelgeuse goes supernova, it will be brighter than a full moon and visible during the day. It will shine for weeks/months before fading away. It will likely explode within a million years.
Carl Sagan has a number named after him. Sagan’s number is approximately…
Carl Sagan has a number named after him. Sagan’s number is approximately 300 sextellion and refers to the number of stars in the universe.
You cannot actually buy the name of a star. The International Astronomical Union is the only authority…
You cannot actually buy the name of a star. The International Astronomical Union is the only authority for naming celestial bodies. No countries, authorities, or scientists in the world will recognize a purchased star name.