I have always read that if Jupiter had been of sufficient size it may have formed a small dwarf star. I understand star forming dynamics and the star is determined by its mass. It is not like a stars say, " get out of here all you not hydrogen and helium molecules." there still has to be residual larger elements within the star. I imagine most would be in a plasma state because of the intense heat and energy. Some molecules when given enough time and pressure crystalize like carbon becoming a diamond. Would these heavier elements become compacted in the center of a star? If so, I guess you could change the color of the star by adding enough mass. (It would need alot though)
2006-09-23 08:39:20 · 4 answers · asked by Colonel Chaos 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
You are on the right track with your thoughts. The core of a star will be its "trash bin" of higher density elements. Clearly, as the hydrogen fuses into helium, the helium descends deeper into the solar atmosphere and the remaining hydrogen rises. Well, the process doesn't stop there. As the process continues, more and more of the helium is compacted in the core, and the pressure/temperature gradient rises to the point where helium fuses. This produces lithium(hydrogen + helium), and then beryllium (two helium atoms fused) etc.... the masses continue increase as the process continues. In fact, most of the existing higher order elements are the result of this action in the youngest stars of the universe, born in hydrogen fire, died in supernova, and coalesced in the formation of our existing solar system. So yes, there is a core of heavy elements at the center of all but the youngest stars.
2006-09-23 08:54:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. If Jupiter where 80 times as massive it could have been a brown dwarf. It would NOT be much larger in diameter. Most stars eventually form iron in their cores so, yes, the core is more dense. Hard? I don't thinks so. The color comes from the temperature of the outer layers.
2006-09-23 15:43:21 · answer #2 · answered by Cirric 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because of the immense temperature, stars are plasma all the way through. The immense energy generated by thermonuclear fusion does not allow any heavy elements to settle at the centre; they are dispersed throughout the body of the star.
2006-09-23 15:50:15 · answer #3 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stars have a creamy nougat center.
2006-09-23 15:44:11 · answer #4 · answered by Grev 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋