We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What Is Stellar Wind?

By B. Leslie Baird
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGeek is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGeek, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Stellar wind is the term used to describe the flow of gas ejected from the upper atmosphere of a star. This gas may be electrically-charged or neutral. Different types of stars produce different types of stellar winds, and these may be fast or slow and contain large or small amount of mass. Radiation pressure is one driving force for the winds.

Stars give off radiation and emit particles. Stellar wind is considered one way in which stars lose mass. The loss of mass is part of the life cycle and evolution of a star.

The sun emits a stellar wind also known as solar wind. The wind produced by the sun is charged with electrons and protons. The high temperature allows these electrons and protons to escape the gravity of the sun. Pressure and expansion from the corona drives the winds. While the temperature of the sun is high, it is actually categorized as a cool star.

Stars that are in later stages of their life cycle, or evolution, are termed post-main sequence stars. Stellar wind from these stars normally contains a larger amount of matter with a slower wind speed. Red giants and other cool luminous stars are in this category. Radiation pressure on dust in the atmosphere is a driving factor for the wind and the materials it contains.

Large or massive stars typically have high-speed winds that contain less material. These stars may be classified as hot luminous stars. Radiation pressure or flux on heavy elements, such as nitrogen and carbon, is the driving force for these winds. This type of star may also produce stellar wind bubbles. These are glowing shells of gas and can indicate new star formations.

Massive stars can emit as much as 50% of their mass through stellar wind during the main portion of their evolution. The amount of mass lost during this time period can affect the next stages of the life cycle. Stars in middle mass categories, that lose mass quickly, will become white dwarfs. The loss of mass prevents them from exploding as a supernova.

Spiral winds are also a form of stellar winds. Sunspots and other irregularities in the atmosphere of a star can create slow or fast gas streams. Hot stars will produce heavier, lower speed winds in areas with increased brightness. As the star revolves, faster wind speeds collide with the slower wind, forming a spiral wind.

Wind is not isolated only to the atmosphere of our planet. Wind on Earth is produced from pressure differences and temperature changes. Shifts in pressure, temperature, and radiation all also produce the stellar wind found in the atmosphere of stars. Ultraviolet light photos show the outer atmosphere of the sun and can provide an interesting look at the outward-flowing winds. Images are also available of stellar wind bubbles, providing a look into the history of stars.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.