Giant Stars NIU巨星牛.pptVIP

Giant Stars irfu.cea.fr Energy Reserves When stars reach the main sequence they are in equilibrium between gravity and radiation. Hydrogen to helium for 90% of lifetime Too cool for helium fusion Helium builds up in the core. Helium-rich core Hydrogen-rich zones Red Giant The helium in the core stops fusion except right along a hydrogen shell. The helium core compresses to degenerate matter. Density 1000 kg/cm3 The hydrogen expands and cools to orange and red. Helium core Expanded hydrogen-rich zones Hydrogen-burning shell The Future Sun The Sun will spend about 10 billion years o