Approximate lifetime of stars located on the main sequence¶

The main sequence is a stage of stellar evolution following the protostar stage. At the beginning of the main sequence stage, the age of the star is considered to be zero. It is possible to calculate the time spent on the main sequence for a star by knowing such a time for the Sun, as well as the masses and luminosities of the Sun and the star.

Notation:

\(L_\odot\) (L_Sun) is sun_luminosity.
\(M_\odot\) (M_Sun) is solar_mass.

Links:

Wikipedia, second formula.

star_lifetime¶: Lifetime (time) of the star on the main sequence.

Symbol:: t
Latex:: \(t\)
Dimension:: time

star_mass¶: mass of the star.

Symbol:: m
Latex:: \(m\)
Dimension:: mass

star_luminosity¶: luminosity of the star.

Symbol:: L
Latex:: \(L\)
Dimension:: power

sun_lifetime¶: Lifetime (time) of the Sun on the main sequence.

Symbol:: t_Sun
Latex:: \(t_\odot\)
Dimension:: time

law¶

t = t_Sun * m / M_Sun * L_Sun / L

Latex:: \[t = t_\odot \frac{m}{M_\odot} \frac{L_\odot}{L}\]