What is the sudden, violent ignition of helium fusion called in lower-mass stars?
Answer
The helium flash
For stars that fall within the low-to-intermediate mass range, specifically those less than approximately 2.2 times the mass of the Sun, the process of igniting helium fusion within the core is not gradual. Due to the nature of the degenerate core material resisting initial thermal expansion, the temperature rise accelerates uncontrollably until the critical fusion temperature is suddenly met throughout the core. This event manifests as a rapid, explosive ignition phenomenon specifically termed the helium flash. This process culminates in the star beginning to fuse helium into carbon and oxygen.
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