Which late-stage stars shed outer layers enriching the interstellar medium with dust grains?
Answer
Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars
The origins of cosmic dust are intrinsically linked to stellar lifecycles, particularly the aging and expiration phases of certain stars. Asymptotic Giant Branch, or AGB stars, are identified as luminous, late-stage stars that shed their expansive outer layers into the surrounding space. This expelled material is rich in dust grains, thereby actively enriching the interstellar medium. This process, combined with the material ejected during supernova explosions, ensures a constant supply of the elemental building blocks required for dust formation throughout the galaxy.
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