HR Diagram Inference Lab
Context
This station is designed to be completed quickly. Write a prediction, follow the steps, then make a claim supported by evidence from the demo.
Predict
Before revealing mass colors, predict where high-mass and low-mass stars should lie along the main sequence.
Prediction (1 sentence):
Play steps
- Start in Observer CMD mode and identify main sequence, giant-branch, and white-dwarf structures.
- Switch to Theorist HR mode and enable radius lines to infer stellar size from L and T_eff.
- Use the evolve-a-star tool to compare track shape and timescale for 0.8 and 20 M_sun stars.
- Reveal mass colors and infer the hidden mass gradient direction along the main sequence.
- Add one-sentence claims to the inference log and export JSON.
Parameter table
| Parameter | Value | What to notice |
|---|---|---|
| Mass M | 1 Msun | Use as a baseline before moving to higher or lower masses. |
| Metallicity Z | 0.02 | Solar-neighborhood reference for initial comparisons. |
Explain
Explain how the same population can be interpreted as an observer CMD and a theorist HR map, then justify one radius and one mass inference.
Explanation (2–3 sentences):
Claim + evidence
Claim:
Evidence (what you observed):