TYPES OF STAR STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site black dwarf Concept of a black dwarf against a background field of stars. Art © David Darling The hypothetical end point of evolution for a degenerate star, either a white dwarf or a neutron star, after it has cooled down to the extent that it can no longer shine, even dimly. A black dwarf is composed of cold, degenerate matter – degenerate electron matter (in the case of a white dwarf) or degenerate baryon matter (in the case of a neutron star). It's thought that about a trillion years are needed for a star to cool to the point at which it becomes a black dwarf. Hence, it will be a long time before the universe contains any such objects. Black dwarfs are not to be confused with black holes or brown dwarfs. Related categories    • TYPES OF STAR    • STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP