perspectivescientific
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Astrophysicists view stellar death as a triumph of gravity over thermodynamic pressure. It is a predictable transition between states of matter. When nuclear fusion ceases, the star must find a new way to support itself against gravity. This leads to exotic states of matter, like electron-degenerate matter in white dwarfs or neutron-degenerate matter in neutron stars.
controversy
Supporting arguments
- Hydrostatic equilibrium maintains a active star's size.
- Degeneracy pressure is a quantum mechanical effect that can stop gravitational collapse.
- The Chandrasekhar limit defines the maximum mass a white dwarf can support.
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