Life Cycle of a Star

# How A Star Shifts Over Time

## Key Learning Outcomes:

1. Observe and understand the different phases in a star’s life cycle
2. Analyse forces and energy changes that drive the evolution of a star
3. Link visible phenomena to the corresponding elements or stellar processes in action

## How to Use This Playlist:

This playlist is designed to help your students understand the process of change that a star undergoes during its lifetime.

Here are some suggestions on how to use the resources:

***STEAM3D Size of Stars, 3D Model*** – Take your students interstellar with this STEAM3D interactive resource. By interacting with celestial bodies, students can compare the size of each object relative to known bodies such as Earth and the Sun, and develop an understanding of our solar system.

***360 Image of The Milky Way & 3D Model of the Sun*** - Students can identify the centre of the Milky Way and should consider the energy source of the light we can see from the stars, including our Sun: it is created by nuclear fusion.

- [Milky Way over Chile](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/360p-milky-way-over-chile)
- [Anatomy of the Sun](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/3dm-anatomy-of-the-sun)

***The Life Cycle of a Star Explorable Scene*** – Your students can explore this virtual space station to see how a star changes, from formation to destruction. Each stage is represented by the 9 viewing bays your students can explore in the scene. Ask students to name each sequence, observe animations, and comment on the forces of gravity and nuclear fusion that transform the star.

- [Life Cycle of a Star](https://edvr.se/Ba5-cE0-axd/life-cycle-of-a-star)

***360 Images*** - Discover some of the most photogenic galaxies and nebulae in the night sky. These Hubble composite images show students the young and old stars that form the Whirlpool Galaxy and the vast amount of hydrogen produced (in red). Other images include a planetary nebula and Cosmic Cliffs – a nursery for stars. Both were taken by NASA’s most powerful infrared Webb Space Telescope.

- [Whirlpool Galaxy M51a and M51b](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/cvr360-whirlpool-galaxym51am51b)
- [The Antennae Galaxies NGC4038/4039](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/cvr360-the-antennae-galaxies-ngc-4038-4039)
- [The Southern Ring Planetary Nebula](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/cvr360-the-southern-ring-planetary-nebula-360-composite)
- [Cosmic Cliffs](https://scene.link/PZH-f7s/cvr360-cosmic-cliffs-360-composite)

***360 Video*** - This simulation video shows how black holes distort the starry background and capture light. The photon ring is produced when photons graze closely enough that their paths are deflected directly toward us.

- [Black Hole Simulation](https://edvr.se/Gol-VnL-sKF/360v-black-hole-simulation-video)