What breathtaking spectacle precedes the White Dwarf for low-mass stars?
Answer
A Planetary Nebula
The evolutionary path of a low-mass star, such as the Sun, culminates gently after the helium fuel in its core is exhausted and carbon fusion cannot be initiated. At this point, the star can no longer support itself against gravity. The outer layers of gas drift away in a process that forms a breathtaking spectacle known as a Planetary Nebula. This expanding shell of expelled material is illuminated by the remaining hot, exposed core, which is shrinking down to become a White Dwarf. This shedding process is characterized as gentle compared to the violent demise of high-mass stars.
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