A Consistent Explanation for [TSUP]12[/TSUP]C/[TSUP]13[/TSUP]C, [TSUP]7[/TSUP]Li, and [TSUP]3[/TSUP]He Anomalies in Red Giant Stars

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The observations of carbon isotopic ratios in evolved stars suggest that nonstandard mixing is acting in low-mass stars as they are ascending the red giant branch. We propose a simple consistent mechanism, based on the most recent developments in the description of rotation-induced mixing reported by Zahn in 1992, which simultaneously accounts for the low 12C/13C ratios in globular cluster and field Population II giants and for the lithium abundances in metal-poor giant stars. It also leads to the destruction of 3He produced on the main sequence in low-mass stars. This should both naturally account for the recent measurements of 3He/H in Galactic H II regions and allow for high values of 3He observed in some planetary nebulae.
All Related Versions