The nearby Sirius star system consists of Sirius A (spectral type = A0V, apparen

Question

The nearby Sirius star system consists of Sirius A (spectral type = A0V, apparent magnitude = - 1.4, mass = 2.35 Solar masses) and Sirius B (white dwarf, apparent magnitude = +8.7, mass = 0.98 solar masses). The parent objects of these stars were originally formed at the same time. A) Briefly discuss why we know that the white dwarf companion (Sirius B) was originally a star more massive than Sirius A. B) Explain why the massive precursor star of Sirius B ended up as a white dwarf instead of a neutron star or a black hole. C) What implications does the presence of the white dwarf have on the possibility of life in a planetary system of Sirius A.

Explanation / Answer

A)

Sirius B is the brightest white dwarf and very nearer to the Sun. The Sirius B is almost mass to the Sun and its inner core is much denser than the reaming stars. Sirius A is far from the Sun and it is twice to the Sun. The Sirius B is high compacted star and also its inner core made up carbon and hydrogen. Due to the presence of high carbon in its inner core it contains high magnetic field and high gravitational field. The dense material with in the Sirius B produces high compaction due high gravitational field.

B)

The end life of the star depends on the mass when it born. If the stars have lot of mass then they end lives as black holes and or neutron stars. If the mass of the star less than the Sun mass we can consider as it as white dwarf.

C)

The possibility of life in a planetary system depends on the mass when it was born. White dwarf creates heat itself by nuclear fusion then the life in planetary system will possible.

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