Star Life

Our Sun is presently in the most stable and long-lasting phase of its life.

The Sun - in the prime of its life

The Sun - in the prime of its life.
Source: SOHO (ESA & NASA)

A delicate balance has been established with the gas pressure of the star preventing gravity from collapsing the star in on itself. The pressure of the gas is maintained by the energy (heat) produced by the nuclear fusion reactions inside the core of the Sun. But the nuclear fusion reactions can't continue forever.

Eventually all the hydrogen in the core of the Sun will be turned into helium and the nuclear reactions will stop. At this point the star loses its energy source and gravity wins, overcoming the gas pressure of the star to cause the core of the star to start contracting.

The collapsing core generates its own heat which raises the temperature of the outer layers of the star so that nuclear fusion reactions now start outside of the stellar core. These reactions add more heat to the star and to get rid of this heat, the star expands and glows a red colour.

The stellar core continues to contract until it becomes hot enough to begin a new cycle of nuclear fusion reactions. This time helium is converted to carbon and oxygen. The star is now called a red giant and its decline into old age has begun.

Your comments

shayne 16 Nov 2009 14:44
cold you put more info on this like sun spots,heatwaves and other stuff from shayne p.s tip stars like our sun 12 times smaller are named a brwon darf!!!
nathaniel 17 Jul 2010 13:30
What happens when the sun burns up?
Discovery Centre 19 Jul 2010 13:00
Museum Victoria

Hi Nathaniel, if you read the information above you'll find your answer. If you have specific questions once you've read this please let us.

Leave a comment

Write your comment below (all fields are required)

Please note that Museum Victoria staff will not normally respond to comments posted on our website.