To address the changes in temperature throughout the life of a star, let's categorize the movements you've described:
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Main Sequence Stage: During this stage, stars typically maintain a stable temperature. However, we can highlight a trend where the temperature starts high and may vary slightly based on the mass of the star. For a star similar to the one mentioned (with high temperatures of around 36,000 K to 48,000 K), we can say:
- Temperature went higher and then lower. (As the star evolves, it may initially increase in temperature but then decrease when moving off the main sequence).
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Post-Main Sequence (Red Giant phase): Generally, after a star exhausts hydrogen in its core, it expands and its outer layers cool down, indicating:
- Temperature went lower. (As it expands into a red giant, the surface temperature drops significantly).
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End Stages (White Dwarf): After a star sheds its outer layers, it leaves behind a core that becomes a white dwarf. The temperature of the white dwarf is initially very high but will gradually decrease over time:
- Temperature went higher. (When the star initially leaves the main sequence, temperatures rise as it contracts).
In summary:
- Main Sequence: Temperature went higher and then lower.
- Post-Main Sequence (Red Giant phase): Temperature went lower.
- End Stages (White Dwarf): Temperature went higher.