How do stars significantly more massive than the Sun ($ ext{e.g., } > 2 M_{ ext{Sun}}$) regulate helium ignition?

Answer

Immediate expansion and cooling based on high thermal pressure.

Massive stars have cores where thermal pressure is dominant. When the $10^8 ext{ K}$ threshold is met, the resulting energy release causes immediate, slight expansion and cooling, allowing for a smooth transition into stable core helium burning.

How do stars significantly more massive than the Sun ($	ext{e.g., } > 2 M_{	ext{Sun}}$) regulate helium ignition?

#Videos

Chaos in the Cosmos: How Stars Burn Helium and Evolve - YouTube

Ask John: How do stars burn? - YouTube

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