Lifespan of red giant stars

In summary, it seems that the lifespan of red giant type stars is largely dependent on their mass and chemical composition. While massive stars may only last a few million years in their red giant phase, smaller stars like our sun can spend billions of years in this stage before becoming white dwarfs. The website http://www.atlasoftheuniverse.com/startype.html provides information on this topic and will be helpful in finding more specific data.
  • #1
robertrej
7
0
I have been unable to find any data or formula's on how long red giant type stars last
other than a few million years!One would suppose that it is a function of its original mass
and chemical composition.


Any ideas?
Thanks.
Bob
 
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  • #3
It is certainly mass dependent. Massive stars live hard and die young - often spectacularly. Their red giant phase may only last a few million years. A 98 pound weakling star like our sun can spend a billion or so years as a red giant before quietly retiring as a white dwarf and eventually become a cold, dark cinder, but, the universe is not nearly old enough to believe any such 'black dwarfs' yet exist.
 
  • #5


I can confirm that the lifespan of a red giant star is indeed a function of its original mass and chemical composition. The larger the mass of the star, the shorter its lifespan will be due to increased nuclear fusion processes leading to a faster depletion of its fuel. Additionally, the chemical composition of the star can also affect its lifespan, as certain elements can speed up or slow down the nuclear fusion reactions. However, it is important to note that the exact lifespan of a red giant star cannot be accurately predicted as it is influenced by various factors such as stellar winds, interactions with other stars, and internal processes. Further research and observations are needed to better understand the lifespan of red giant stars.
 

What is a red giant star?

A red giant star is a dying star in the last stage of its life. It is a large, luminous star that has expanded and cooled down, causing it to have a reddish appearance.

What is the average lifespan of a red giant star?

The average lifespan of a red giant star is about 1 billion years. However, this can vary depending on the initial mass of the star.

How does a red giant star form?

A red giant star forms when a star runs out of hydrogen fuel in its core and begins to fuse helium. This causes the star to expand and become a red giant.

What happens to a star after it becomes a red giant?

After a star becomes a red giant, it will eventually run out of fuel and stop nuclear fusion. It will then shed its outer layers and form a planetary nebula, leaving behind a small, dense core known as a white dwarf.

Can a red giant star become a supernova?

No, a red giant star does not have enough mass to become a supernova. Only stars with a mass at least 8 times that of the sun can become supernovae.

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