Why are the stars as they are
Abstract
Astronomical theories under consideration 40 years ago are surveyed with reference to the question of why stars possess the characteristics that they have. Eddington's (1926) parable of a physicist on a cloudbound planet is examined, and its relation to the (1 - beta-asterisk) theorem and to the combination (hc/G) to the 3/2 power divided by H squared is discussed. Fowler's resolution to Eddington's paradox is described with reference to the question of whether the stars have enough energy to cool. The theory of degenerate configurations is surveyed with attention to the limiting mass. Other topics include a criterion for the stage at which stars can develop degenerate cores and the minimum mass for gravitational collapse to be possible.
- Publication:
-
Physics and Astrophysics of Neutron Stars and Black Holes
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978pans.proc....1C
- Keywords:
-
- Astrophysics;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Models;
- Stellar Structure;
- Black Holes (Astronomy);
- Density (Mass/Volume);
- Electron Gas;
- Energy Dissipation;
- Gas Pressure;
- Gravitational Collapse;
- Radiation Pressure;
- Relativistic Effects;
- Stellar Magnitude;
- Stellar Mass;
- Stellar Temperature;
- White Dwarf Stars;
- Astrophysics