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The Open University

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The Open University via OpenLearn

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This course uses the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram to compare stellar classes, masses, and evolutionary stages, including the role of star clusters. It also examines how interstellar gas and dust affect observations and how stars can probe the interstellar medium.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
  • 1 The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
  • 1.1 Constructing the H-R diagram
  • 1.2 The main classes of stars
  • 1.3 How can we explain the distribution of stars on the H-R diagram?
  • 1.4 Stellar masses and stellar evolution
  • 1.5 Star clusters and stellar evolution
  • 2 Observing through the interstellar medium
  • 2 Observing through the interstellar medium
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Interstellar space is not empty
  • 2.3 The effect of interstellar gas
  • 2.4 The effect of interstellar dust
  • 2.5 Using stars to probe the interstellar medium
  • 3 Summary
  • 3 Summary
  • 3.1 The H-R diagram
  • 3.1.1 Stellar masses and stellar evolution
  • 3.1.2 Star clusters and stellar evolution
  • 3.1.3 Observing through the interstellar medium
  • 4 Questions
  • 4 Questions
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements

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