On the blue loops of intermediate-mass stars

Abstract

We consider the blue loops in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram that occur when intermediate-mass stars begin core helium burning. It has long been known that the excess of helium above the burning shell, the result of the contraction of the convective core during core hydrogen burning, has the effect of making such stars redder and larger than they would be otherwise. The outward motion of the burning shell in mass removes this excess and triggers the loop. Hitherto nobody has attempted to demonstrate why the excess helium has this effect. We consider the effect of the local opacity, which is reduced by excess helium, the shell fuel supply, which is also reduced, and the local mean molecular weight, which is increased. We demonstrate that the mean molecular weight is the decisive reddening factor. The opacity has a much smaller effect and a reduced fuel supply actually favours blueward motion.