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90% of observed stars are on the Main Sequence (MS), why does this make sense? Stars off the MS are obscured by dust A star spends the majority of its life on the MS MS stars are the easiest stars to observe

90% of observed stars are on the Main Sequence (MS), why does this make sense? Stars off the MS are obscured by dust A star spends the majority of its life on the MS MS stars are the easiest stars to observe

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
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**Question:** 90% of observed stars are on the Main Sequence (MS), why does this make sense? - ○ Stars off the MS are obscured by dust - ○ A star spends the majority of its life on the MS - ○ MS stars are the easiest stars to observe **Explanation:** 1. **Stars off the MS are obscured by dust**: This option suggests that stars not on the Main Sequence are hidden from view by interstellar dust. While dust can obscure some stars, it does not account for the high percentage of stars observed on the Main Sequence. 2. **A star spends the majority of its life on the MS**: This is the correct answer. Stars spend the majority of their lifetime fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores, a process that defines the Main Sequence phase. Because this stage is significantly longer than other phases of a star’s life, we observe more stars in this phase. 3. **MS stars are the easiest stars to observe**: While some Main Sequence stars are indeed easier to observe due to their brightness, this is not the primary reason for the high percentage of observed Main Sequence stars. The evolutionary timescale is the dominant factor. In summary, **a star spends the majority of its life on the MS**, making it the most likely phase during which we can observe stars.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** 90% of observed stars are on the Main Sequence (MS), why does this make sense? - ○ Stars off the MS are obscured by dust - ○ A star spends the majority of its life on the MS - ○ MS stars are the easiest stars to observe **Explanation:** 1. **Stars off the MS are obscured by dust**: This option suggests that stars not on the Main Sequence are hidden from view by interstellar dust. While dust can obscure some stars, it does not account for the high percentage of stars observed on the Main Sequence. 2. **A star spends the majority of its life on the MS**: This is the correct answer. Stars spend the majority of their lifetime fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores, a process that defines the Main Sequence phase. Because this stage is significantly longer than other phases of a star’s life, we observe more stars in this phase. 3. **MS stars are the easiest stars to observe**: While some Main Sequence stars are indeed easier to observe due to their brightness, this is not the primary reason for the high percentage of observed Main Sequence stars. The evolutionary timescale is the dominant factor. In summary, **a star spends the majority of its life on the MS**, making it the most likely phase during which we can observe stars.
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