If you need help with this assignment, please watch the class recording (updated 10/15/25)
Please note: The recording shows the regular version of this assignment which will be slightly different.
If you need help with this assignment, please watch the class recording (updated 10/15/25)
Please note: The recording shows the regular version of this assignment which will be slightly different.
The star's stages are labeled in the upper right.
Name the three stages of the Sun’s life shown on the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
Stage 1:
Stage 2:
Stage 3:
Watch the animation, then describe the changes the Sun's radius (size) will go through between stages.
Stage 1 to Stage 2:
Stage 2 to Stage 3:
At which stage will the Sun have the largest radius?
Watch the animation, then describe the changes the Sun's luminosity (brightness) will go through between stages.
Stage 1 to Stage 2:
Stage 2 to Stage 3:
At which stage in its lifecycle will the Sun be at its brightest?
Watch the animation.
What stage will the Sun spend most of its life?
Watch the animation, then describe the changes the Sun's mass will go through between stages.
Stage 1 to Stage 2:
Stage 2 to Stage 3:
Observe the starting location of other low mass stars on the Main Sequence:
Where are low mass stars like the Sun found on the Main Sequence?
Next you will be observing a high mass star.
Name the three stages of the high mass star’s life shown on the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. Remember that after a supernova, the star will form a black hole or a neutron star.
Stage 1:
Stage 2:
Stage 3:
Watch the video, then describe the changes the high mass star's radius (size) will go through between stages.
Stage 1 to Stage 2:
Stage 2 to Stage 3:
At which stage will the high mass star have the largest radius?
Watch the animation, then describe the changes the high mass star's temperature will go through between stages.
Stage 1 to Stage 2:
Stage 2 to Stage 3:
At which stage in its lifecycle will the high mass star be at its hottest?
Watch the animation, then describe the changes the high mass star's luminosity (brightness) will go through between stages.
Stage 1 to Stage 2:
Stage 2 to Stage 3:
What stage will the high mass star spend most of its life?
Watch the animation, then describe the changes the high mass star's mass will go through between stages.
Stage 1 to Stage 2:
Stage 2 to Stage 3:
Observe the starting location of high mass stars on the Main Sequence.
Where are high mass stars found on the Main Sequence?
Consider this model of star life cycles:
Which side (A or B) depicts the life cycle of a high mass star?
Which side (A or B) depicts the life cycle of a low mass star?
Compare and contrast low mass and high mass stars. Each column has 2 correct answers.
Low Mass Star | High Mass Star | Both Low & High Mass Stars | |
|---|---|---|---|
Larger overall throughout its life | |||
Ends as a supernova | |||
Begins on the main sequence | |||
Begins as a "Sun" like star | |||
Spends time as a red giant/supergiant before its death | |||
Dimmer throughout its life time |