What is the approximate main-sequence lifespan for an O-type star?
Answer
A few million years
O-type stars represent the extreme end of stellar mass, leading to the shortest possible main-sequence durations. Due to their extreme heat, size, and intense energy output, they consume their hydrogen fuel extremely quickly. This rapid burn rate dictates that their entire period of stable hydrogen fusion typically lasts only for a few million years. This lifespan is drastically shorter than even other massive stars and offers a stark contrast to the billions of years expected for solar-mass stars or the trillions expected for the least massive stars.
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Which Type Of Star Has The Shortest Life Span? - Physics Frontier
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