Stellar evolution

Stars evolve over time. Depending on their initial mass they take different routes in their developement. This illustration here depicts several potential paths. All stars are formed in star formation regions. Low-mass stars (seen on the left) evolve slowly. Eventually they eject their outer layers as planetary nebulae. This matieral can be reused to form a new generation of stars. The remaining core of the star becomes a white dwarf and a black dwarf later on.

Massive stars (seen on the right) evolve quickly and end their life in dramatic supernovae explosions. Depending on the mass of the remnant, it becomes a neutron star or a black hole.

This graphic is part of the permanent exhibition on display at the ESO Supernova.