Sound waves travel through the interior of stars, creating ripples that can be detected by scientists. These waves can either ripple around the entire circumference of the star or dart right through its core. The study of sound waves in stars provides valuable information about the internal structure and evolution of stars.
The larger the star, the longer it takes for sound waves to travel through its interior. In the Sun, a typical wave completes one cycle in five minutes. Red giants, which are much larger than the Sun, have lower-frequency waves that can last for weeks to months. By studying these stars of different ages, scientists can gain insights into what will happen to our own Sun as it ages.
Red giants are not only much larger than our Sun but also have a much slower rotation period. This means that they vibrate at a much lower frequency than smaller stars like our Sun. By analyzing these vibrations, scientists can better understand how massive stars evolve over time and their potential impact on nearby planets and moons.
Overall, studying sound waves in stars has been instrumental in providing insights into their internal structure and evolution. With further research and analysis, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of how these massive celestial bodies change over time and how they might impact our own planet in the future.