The life of the stars

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The structure of stars, particularly the Sun, has been a focal point of scientific research and debate for over a century. The advent of quantum theory in the early nineteenth century laid the groundwork for understanding stellar formation and energy sources. Significant progress was achieved through discussions among leading scientists and groundbreaking discoveries by astronomers. This book delves into the development of the theory of stellar structure and evolution, illustrating how our comprehension of stars has evolved amid continuous debate. Astrophysics took nearly a century to address key questions: What fuels stars? How are they formed? How do they evolve and ultimately perish? The answers to these inquiries have significant implications for astrophysics, physics, and biology, shedding light on our own existence. While many answers are known, the theory of stellar structure remains incomplete, with numerous unresolved questions, such as the mechanisms behind supernova explosions and various internal hydrodynamic processes. Nevertheless, a broad understanding can be outlined, which is the aim of this exploration.