For the smallest stars, such as red dwarfs below 0.5 solar masses, what is their ultimate contribution to galactic chemistry?

Answer

Sequestering hydrogen and releasing helium

These smallest low-mass stars are too cool to ever reach the temperature required to ignite helium fusion, meaning they only convert their initial hydrogen supply into helium before contracting.

For the smallest stars, such as red dwarfs below 0.5 solar masses, what is their ultimate contribution to galactic chemistry?

#Videos

Low Mass Stars: Crash Course Astronomy #29 - YouTube

ElementstarmassFusion