What causes the extreme luminosity in stars significantly more massive than the Sun?
Answer
Immense mass creating crushing gravitational pressure requiring massive core temperature to counteract
A star's immense mass generates extraordinarily powerful gravitational forces pressing inward on its core. To counteract this crushing inward force and achieve hydrostatic equilibrium—the stable state where outward pressure balances inward gravity—the star must drastically increase its core temperature and density. This extreme environment accelerates the nuclear fusion process converting hydrogen into helium at an accelerated, violent rate, which manifests as extreme luminosity. Essentially, the star must burn its fuel incredibly fast to maintain its physical structure against its own overwhelming weight.
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