Digital Demo Room
Stellar Structure and Evolution Simulator





Beginner Level Interface

On this page, the user can browse an archive of various simulations of stellar evolution. All of these simulations except for the 10,000 star simulation can be created from the advanced page, but are here for those unfamiliar with the creation procedure for the simulations. Each simulation, unless otherwise noted, can be viewed with the stars' evolutionary tracks on or off. If the tracks are on, the simulation will create a track along the path of the star as it evolves. If the tracks are off, the star will move on the HR diagram without the tracks.


Sun (Evolution Tracks - Off)

Sun (Evolution Tracks - On) 		This simulation shows where the Sun lies and moves on the HR diagram as it evolves over time.
Intermediate Mass Stars (Tracks - Off)

Intermediate Mass Stars (Tracks - On) 		This simulation shows the evolution of 12 intermediate mass stars, ranging in mass from 0.9 to 2 solar masses
One to Eight Solar Mass (Tracks - Off)

One to Eight Solar Mass (Tracks - On) 		This simulation shows the evolution of 8 stars, ranging in mass from 1 to 8 solar masses.
Stars Become White Dwarfs (Tracks - Off)

Stars Become White Dwarfs (Tracks - On) 		This simulation shows the evolution of 7 stars that will eventually become white dwarf stars. Their masses range from 5 to 8 solar masses.
Stars Become Neutron Stars (Tracks - Off)

Stars Become Neutron Stars (Tracks - On) 		This simulation shows the evolution of stars that will eventually become neutron stars.
High Mass Stars (Tracks - Off)

High Mass Stars (Tracks - On) 		This simulation shows the evolution of 7 high mass stars ranging from 20 to 80 solar masses.
Intermediate Mass vs. High Mass This simulation shows the difference in the evolution stages and evolution times of an intermediate mass star of 3 solar masses versus a high mass star of 15 solar masses. Note that the evolution tracks are on in this simulation.
Intermediate Mass Star This simulation shows the evolution of one 2 solar mass star, with attention focused on the star's main sequence, subgiant branch, giant branch, horizontal branch, and asymptotic giant branch. The star's death is also shown in this simulation, as it dies in a planetary nebula, leaving a dense white dwarf behind. Note that the evolution tracks are on in this simulation.
High Mass Star Life This simulation shows the evolution of 3 stars, of masses 10, 15, and 20 solar masses. The simulation focuses attention on the main sequence, subgiant, and the various red giant/supergiant stages of high mass star evolution. Note that the evolution tracks are on in this simulation.
High Mass Star Death - Supernova This simulation shows the evolution of one 15 solar mass star. The main focus of this particular simulation is that high mass stars such as this one die in a violent explosion known as a type II supernova. Note that the evolution tracks are on in this simulation.
10,000 Stars This simulation shows the evolution of 10,000 stars, with their masses determined by an initial mass function. Note that the evolution tracks are not on in this simulation.



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