TP-AGB (Thermally Pulsating Asymptotic Giant Branch)

The Thermally Pulsating Asymptotic Giant Branch (TP-AGB) is a late stage in the life of certain stars, typically those with initial masses between about 1 and 8 times that of the Sun. During this phase, the star's core is mostly inert carbon and oxygen, while its outer layers expand and become very luminous and cool. The star experiences periodic instabilities called thermal pulses, causing it to breathe dramatically, shed its outer material, and produce elements like carbon and s-process elements. TP-AGB stars play a key role in enriching the cosmos with these elements and influence their host galaxies' appearance and evolution.