The Internal Structure of Stars

Mysterious Oscillations

Abstract

Life on Earth is intimately connected with the Sun and the stars around us. To understand the habitability of our planet we need to appreciate its cosmic surroundings, such as the solar system and the Milky Way. Stars are mysterious entities, but understanding their physics inevitably proves enlightening. Using the technique of asteroseismology – the study of the internal structure of stars through their global oscillations – we are on our way to unravelling the physics and evolution of these celestial bodies.