As a one-solar-mass star evolves off the main sequence, it will probably undergo a _____.
A) nova burnout
B) helium flash
C) hydrogen flash
D) helium bang
E) carbon flash

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As a one-solar-mass star evolves off the main sequence, it expands and cools to become a red giant. During this phase, the core contracts and heats up until it is hot enough for helium fusion to begin explosively, in an event known as a helium flash. This is a key stage in the star's evolution before it moves on to the asymptotic giant branch phase.

As a One-Solar-Mass Star Evolves Off the Main Sequence, It