The Origin of Stellar Energy by Professor G Srinivasan

Explore the fascinating world of stellar energy in this comprehensive lecture by Professor G Srinivasan from the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences. Delve into the fundamental physics behind stars, examining their structure, composition, and the processes that power them. Learn about hydrostatic equilibrium, radiation pressure, and the virial theorem as applied to celestial bodies. Discover the groundbreaking work of Sir Arthur Eddington and his theory of stars. Investigate the intricacies of nuclear fusion, including proton-proton reactions, quantum tunneling, and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. Examine various nuclear cycles and fusion reactions that occur within stars, and understand the factors determining stellar lifetimes. Gain insights into the "onion skin" model of stellar structure and the composition of a star's core at the end of its life. Conclude with an exploration of stellar stability mechanisms and participate in a Q&A session to further enhance your understanding of astrophysics.