Constraining Masses of S-type AGB Stars with Pulsation

Learn about constraining masses of S-type Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars through pulsation analysis in this 22-minute astronomy lecture. Explore the uncertainty surrounding the minimum initial mass required for third dredge-up (TDU) occurrence in AGB stars, with current observations suggesting approximately 1.5 solar masses at solar metallicity. Examine how S-type AGB stars, characterized by carbon-to-oxygen ratios between 0.5 and 1, provide valuable insights into this astronomical phenomenon. Discover the methodology of deriving stellar masses using ASAS-SN light curves to measure pulsation periods, and understand how these measurements are compared with existing AGB evolution and pulsation models. Follow the construction of an initial mass function for S-type AGB stars, which helps establish constraints on the minimum initial mass necessary for TDU processes.