Stellar Atlas

A comprehensive digital atlas of stellar evolution using MESA simulations

Stellar Atlas

Stellar Atlas is a finished, research-driven digital project that systematically explores the life cycles of stars through large-scale simulations using MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics). The project delivers an interactive, data-rich resource for understanding how stars of different masses and chemical compositions evolve from birth to their final fate.

Live Atlas: stellar-atlas.vercel.app

Overview

  • Extensive Simulations:
    • 2,300+ stellar models spanning 0–100 M☉ (plus select high-mass outliers) and six metallicities (Z = 0.0001–0.04)
    • Each model evolved to hydrogen or helium exhaustion under consistent, physically motivated assumptions
  • Interactive Visualization:
    • Explore evolutionary tracks, Hertzsprung–Russell diagrams, core temperature-density relations, and more
    • All visualizations are interactive, downloadable, and validated against Gaia DR3 observations
  • Open Science:
    • Complete dataset available on Zenodo
    • Detailed project report and methodology provided for transparency and reproducibility

Scientific Motivation

Stellar evolution is governed by a star’s initial mass and metallicity. These parameters determine the star’s structure, nuclear burning stages, and final fate (white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole).

Stellar Atlas leverages MESA’s state-of-the-art simulation capabilities to:

  • Quantify the effects of mass and metallicity on stellar lifetimes and evolutionary paths
  • Compare theoretical models with real data from the Gaia mission
  • Provide a reference grid for both education and research

Key Features

  • Simulation Parameters:
    • Mass range: 0–100 M☉ (step 0.5), plus 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 200, 350, 600, 800, 900 M☉ (for Z=0.04, up to 60 M☉)
    • Metallicities: Z = 0.0001, 0.001, 0.006, 0.014, 0.02, 0.04
    • Stopping conditions: Hydrogen & Helium exhaustion
  • Core Outputs:
    • Hertzsprung–Russell Diagrams (HRDs)
    • Core temperature vs. density (Tc–ρc) tracks
    • Age vs. radius and luminosity
    • Central hydrogen fraction evolution
    • Animated evolutionary tracks
  • Validation:
    • Gaia DR3 overlays for HRDs
    • Main sequence and post-main sequence analysis
    • Metallicity effects on stellar structure

Access & Resources

About

Developed and maintained by Aniket Mishra (BS-MS, IISER Kolkata), with a focus on scientific rigor, open data, and accessible science communication.
For more information, visit the About page or contact: mas23ms096@iiserkol.ac.in

“To understand stars is to glimpse the engines of the universe.”