Chapter 1
The hydrogen countdown
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Chapter 2
The red giant expansion
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Chapter 3
The planetary nebula phase
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Chapter 4
The white dwarf retirement
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The future of our Sun
Ch 2 · The red giant expansion
artiteacher The red giant expansion
We'll swell up giant to swallow the inner worlds, then cool down tiny to a brilliant white dwarf!
Fun Fact
Gigantic Sun: As a red giant, the Sun will expand to occupy nearly the entire sky from Earth's perspective.
Glossary
red giant (noun)
A large, luminous star in a late stage of stellar evolution with a depleted hydrogen core. In about five billion years, our Sun will balloon into this state, engulfing Mercury and Venus.
A large, luminous star in a late stage of stellar evolution with a depleted hydrogen core. In about five billion years, our Sun will balloon into this state, engulfing Mercury and Venus.
Quiz
What is the expected surface temperature of the Sun when it becomes a red giant?
Quiz
Which icy moon of Saturn might temporarily melt and have oceans during the red giant phase?