Lithium destruction and production observed in red giant stars

Author(s)

Stefan Uttenthaler, Thomas Lebzelter, Maurizio Busso, Sara Palmerini, Bernhard Aringer, Mathias Schultheis

Abstract

According to standard stellar evolution, lithium is destroyed throughout most

of the evolution of low- to intermediate-mass stars. However, a number of evolved stars on

the red giant branch (RGB) and the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) are known to contain

a considerable amount of Li, whose origin is not always understood well. Here we present

the latest development on the observational side to obtain a better understanding of Li-rich

K giants (RGB), moderately Li-rich low-mass stars on the AGB, as well as very Li-rich

intermediate-mass AGB stars possibly undergoing the standard hot bottom burning phase.

These last ones probably also enrich the interstellar medium with freshly produced Li.

Organisation(s)

Department of Astrophysics

External organisation(s)

Università degli Studi di Perugia, Observatoire de Besançon, CNRS

Journal

Memorie Societa Astronomica Italiana - Supplementi

Volume

22

Pages

56-63

No. of pages

8

Publication date

2012

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

103003 Astronomy

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