10. Core runs out of H. What happens to the star? What is it called? | |
The core contracts and heats up. A shell of hydrogen fusion ignites, and the Helium in the core starts fusing into Carbon via the triple-alpha process. Since the energy output (luminosity) from the core has increased, the rest of the star expands (swells up) and the surface cools down. The star is now a Red Giant. |
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