Evolution and Nucleosynthesis of Low and Intermediate-Mass Stars

Abstract

The chemical evolution of the Universe is governed by the yields from stars, which in turn is determined primarily by the initial stellar mass. Stars less massive than about 10 solar masses experience recurrent mixing events on the giant branches that can significantly change the surface composition of the envelope. Observed enrichments include carbon, nitrogen, fluorine, and heavy elements synthesized by the slow neutron capture process (the s-process). Low and intermediate mass stars release their nucleosynthesis products through stellar outflows or winds, in contrast to massive stars that explode as core-collapse supernovae. Here we provide a brief overview of some highlights from the last few years that have challenged our understanding of the evolution and nucleosynthesis of low and intermediate-mass stars.