Post-Main Sequence Evolution of a Sun-like star
The star evolves off the Main Sequence cooling and swelling as it moves
upward and to the right. Helium flash occurs and the star moves back down
toward the main sequence. As it uses up it's supply of helium, it again
moves upward, cooling and swelling into a red giant. The atmosphere is
then blown away to form a planetary nebula with a very hot "ember" of the
star left at the center. This hot ember is a white dwarf. The white dwarf
moves down and to the right as it continues to cool and become dimmer,
eventually fading from view.
Back to John's Homepage