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  • Lifespan of Low-Mass Stars: A Comprehensive Guide
    Low-mass stars, like our Sun, have significantly longer lifespans than more massive stars. Here's a breakdown:

    Lifespans of Low-Mass Stars:

    * Sun-like stars (0.8 - 1.2 solar masses): Around 10 billion years.

    * Lower-mass stars (less than 0.8 solar masses): Can live for trillions of years.

    Why Low-Mass Stars Live Longer:

    * Slower Fusion: Low-mass stars burn their nuclear fuel (hydrogen) much more slowly than massive stars. They have lower core temperatures and pressures, leading to a slower fusion rate.

    * Larger Fuel Reserves: They have a relatively large amount of hydrogen fuel compared to their mass.

    * Lower Luminosity: Low-mass stars emit less light and energy, meaning they consume their fuel at a slower rate.

    Comparison with High-Mass Stars:

    * High-mass stars (over 10 solar masses): Live for only a few million years. They have much higher core temperatures, leading to rapid hydrogen fusion and a much faster rate of energy production.

    Important Note: The lifespan of a star is not a fixed value. It depends on factors like the star's initial mass, composition, and the rate of mass loss.

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