| Popis: |
The evolution of low and intermediate mass (1-8 M⊙) stars along the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) is ruled by processes of mass loss, causing the whole convective envelope to be gradually ejected into space. If the stellar mass is sufficiently high (M ≥ 1.5 M⊙) the envelope itself becomes enriched in nucleosynthesis products (carbon and s-process nuclei) and the star evolves into a C-rich phase. AGB stars are hence surrounded by O-rich or C-rich envelopes, opaque at optical wavelengths, which are best studied through direct imaging in the infrared (IR). |
