Pulsation-driven mass loss refers to the process where stars, particularly variable stars like Mira variables, lose mass due to pulsations in their outer layers. These pulsations create shock waves that lift the outer layers of the star, allowing material to escape into space, significantly impacting the star's evolution and the interstellar medium composition.

Pulsation-driven Mass Loss

Mira Variables are a special kind of star that gets brighter and dimmer over time, like a cosmic light bulb that flickers. They are named after the first star of this type discovered, called Mira, which means 'wonderful' in Latin, because they are so interesting to scientists.

Mira Variables

Variable stars are stars that exhibit changes in brightness over time due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. These variations provide crucial insights into stellar properties and processes, and are used to measure cosmic distances and study stellar evolution.

Variable Stars

Mass loss refers to the reduction in mass of an object or system, often observed in stars, glaciers, and other natural phenomena, due to processes like evaporation, sublimation, or erosion. Understanding mass loss is crucial for predicting future changes in climate, astrophysical events, and the lifecycle of celestial bodies.

Mass Loss

Pulsations in their outer layers

Shock waves are nonlinear propagating disturbances that occur when an object moves through a medium faster than the speed of sound in that medium, causing a sudden change in pressure, temperature, and density. They are characterized by an abrupt, nearly discontinuous change in the properties of the medium, often resulting in phenomena such as sonic booms or explosive waves.

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