Stellar process
The Asymptotic Giant Branch
Late in a low- or intermediate-mass star's life, both a hydrogen shell and a helium shell burn around a carbon–oxygen core. Recurring thermal pulses dredge freshly-made elements to the surface and drive heavy mass loss, as the star climbs the asymptotic giant branch toward the ejection of its envelope.
Stars, stages & concepts
Across stellar astrophysics
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe s-Process
- Associated withStellar Mass Loss
- Associated withPlanetary-Nebula Ejection
- Associated withPlanetary-Nebula Ejection
- Associated withStellar Mass Loss
- Associated withThe s-Process
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.