The End of the Life of a Red Dwarf Star

question 122

Multiple Choice

The end of the life of a red dwarf star is predicted to be a sphere of almost pure helium. But no such spheres have been detected. What do astronomers believe is the reason?

• A) These helium stars are very dim and consequently hard to detect.
• B) There are very few red dwarfs, so their end products are expected to be rare.
• C) The evolution rate for red dwarfs is so slow that none has yet evolved to its end stage.
• D) Helium is a relatively light material, so these helium spheres are expected to dissipate in a short time.