What is the final stellar state for low-mass stars like our Sun?
Answer
White Dwarf
Stars that are relatively low-mass, exemplified by our own Sun, are not massive enough to overcome gravity once their nuclear fuel is exhausted, thus avoiding the catastrophic fate of a supernova. The evolutionary path for these smaller stars involves swelling up into a red giant phase. Following this, they shed their external layers, which results in the formation of beautiful, expanding shells of gas known as planetary nebulae. The dense, hot core remaining after the outer layers have dissipated is what stabilizes as a white dwarf. This white dwarf is a compact stellar remnant supported by internal pressure, marking the gentle conclusion of the star's life cycle.
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