3 Reasons to observe this month

The Life of Stars

Once born in a nebula, stars become stable. In their core, a series of nuclear reactions take place.

Over time, stars gradually cool down, which changes their color: blue at the start, they become white, then yellow, orange, and finally red as they approach the end of their life.

This evolution can last billions of years, as with our Sun, or only a few million years for more massive stars. By observing the M71 star cluster, you’ll be able to see stars at different stages of their evolution.

The Death of Stars

There are several possible endings to a star’s life. One of them is the formation of a planetary nebula.

When a star has exhausted its hydrogen, it begins fusing helium, then heavier elements. It turns red, pulses, and eventually expels its atmosphere into space. This final breath forms an expanding shell of gas — the star’s celestial shroud. At its center, the glowing core remains as a white dwarf, shining for a while before fading away.

Two remnants of this stellar cycle are visible through your telescope:

• The Dumbbell Nebula (M27)
• The Ring Nebula (M57)

Look closely — you may even spot the white dwarf at the heart of these nebulae.

M57: Photo Credit Stuart Fort