What evolutionary phase does the term "giant star" usually refer to?
Answer
A phase after the Main Sequence where the star swells dramatically
When astronomers speak of a giant star, they are typically referring to a Red Giant, which occurs after a star exhausts the hydrogen fuel in its core and begins burning hydrogen in a surrounding shell, causing expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What evolutionary phase does the term "giant star" usually refer to?How is our Sun classified in terms of its current evolutionary stage?What causes a Red Giant to be significantly more luminous than a Main Sequence dwarf star?What is a White Dwarf primarily composed of?What is characteristic of the lifespan of Red Dwarfs?Which evolutionary path leads from a Red Giant to a White Dwarf?What is the primary fuel-burning process occurring in a Red Giant star?What does the term "dwarf star" generally encompass regarding stellar populations?How does the radius of a giant star compare to the radius of a Sun-like dwarf star?Which type of Main Sequence star is described as the smallest and coolest?