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stellar astronomy > stellar type > giant star > asymptotic giant branch

Preferred term

asymptotic giant branch  

Definition

  • The asymptotic giant branch (AGB) is a region of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram that lies above and roughly parallel (hence the name "asymptotic") with the red giant region. It is occupied by evolved stars of low to intermediate mass (0.8 to 8 solar masses) that have a tiny, dormant core of carbon and oxygen surrounded by a helium and hydrogen burning shell, and then an enormous convective envelope. Somewhat confusingly, although AGB stars do not lie on the red giant branch, they are often referred to as being red giants because they are large and red in color. The Sun will eventually become an AGB star. An example of a star currently on the asymptotic giant branch is R Sculptoris. (Encyclopedia of Science, by David Darling, https://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/A/AGB.html)

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Entry terms

  • AGB star

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URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-KGLNJX2H-P

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