Supergiant stars

Definition

Supergiant stars are extremely large and luminous stars that have a radius hundreds to thousands of times greater than that of the Sun. They represent a late stage in stellar evolution for high-mass stars.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Supergiant stars can be classified as either red or blue, depending on their temperature and color.
2. They have short lifespans in astronomical terms, typically only tens of millions of years.
3. These stars often end their lives in dramatic supernovae explosions.
4. Supergiants are key indicators of stellar population ages and galactic evolution due to their brightness.
5. Betelgeuse and Rigel are two well-known examples of supergiant stars.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a supergiant star from other types of stars in terms of size and luminosity?
• Why do supergiant stars have relatively short lifespans compared to smaller stars?
• Can you name two famous supergiant stars and describe their characteristics?

Related terms

Main Sequence Star: A star that is fusing hydrogen into helium in its core, representing the primary phase of stellar evolution.

Red Giant: A later stage in the life cycle of a Sun-like star, where it expands significantly after exhausting hydrogen in its core.

Supernova: A powerful explosion marking the death of a massive star, often leading to the formation of neutron stars or black holes.