Pre-main-sequence star

A pre-main-sequence star (also known as a PMS star and PMS object) is a star in the stage when it has not yet reached the main sequence. It can be a T Tauri star or FU Orionis star (less than 2 solar masses) or an Herbig Ae/Be stars (2–8 solar masses).

The energy source of these objects is gravitational contraction (as opposed to hydrogen burning in main-sequence stars). On the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, the pre-main-sequence stage of stars with masses less than 0.5 solar masses translates into a move along Hayashi tracks (almost vertically down) and later along Henyey tracks (almost horizontally to the left, towards the main sequence).

PMS stars can be differentiated from main-sequence dwarf stars by using stellar spectra to measure the correlation between gravity and temperature. A PMS star will have a larger radius than a main-sequence star, and thus be less dense and have lower surface gravity.

While the surrounding matter is falling onto the central condensation, it is considered to be a protostar. Pre-main-sequence stars become optically visible after stellar birthline. Pre-main-sequence stage will last less than 1% of a star's life (in contrast, the star will spend about 80% of its life on the main sequence).

It is believed that during this stage all stars have dense circumstellar disks, probable sites of planet formation.

See also