Stellar structure and evolution: An introduction

Abstract

The synthesis of new elements takes place inside stars. How do stars evolve and distribute this creation to the universe at large? This article starts with the observables that the theory of stellar evolution aims to reproduce, and gives a quick overview of what that theory predicts (Sects. 2–3). It presents the equations governing stellar structure and evolution (Sects. 4–6) and the physics of stellar interiors (Sects. 7–9). Approximate and numerical methods for their solution are outlined (Sects. 10–11) and the general results of stellar structure and evolution are discussed (Sects. 12–13). The structure and evolution of horizontal-branch stars, hydrogendeficient stars and other stellar remnants are also considered (Sects. 14–15).