Massive stars life cycle

Answer 1

Massive stars evolve in a similar way to small stars until it reaches its main sequence stage The stars shine steadily until the hydrogen has fused to form helium ( it takes billions of years in a small star, but only millions in a massive star).

The massive star then becomes a Red Supergiant and starts of with a helium core surrounded by a shell of cooling, expanding gas.

In the next million years a series of nuclear reactions occur forming different elements in shells around the iron core.

The core collapses in less than a second, causing an explosion called a Supernova, in which a shock wave blows of the outer layers of the star. (The actual supernova shines brighter than the entire galaxy for a short time).

Sometimes the core survives the explosion. If the surviving core is between 1.5 - 3 solar masses it contracts to become a a tiny, very dense Neutron Star. If the core is much greater than 3 solar masses, the core contracts to become a Black Hole.

1.nebula

2.protostar

3.blue giant, then it expands in to a

4.red super giant

5.super nova

6.then it cools in to a

black hole or a neutron star

Answer 2

Massive stars are formed from collapsing clouds of gas and dust. These stars burn through their fuel quickly and go supernova, leaving behind remnants like neutron stars or black holes. The intense heat and pressure within massive stars also create heavier elements through nuclear fusion, which are dispersed into space upon their death.