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Explore the dramatic evolutionary phases of Red Supergiants through cutting-edge astronomical research in this 54-minute conference talk. Delve into the mysteries surrounding these massive, evolved stars (8–30 solar masses) that represent the final stage before Type II supernovae, yet paradoxically remain absent as confirmed supernova progenitors. Examine how episodic mass-loss events may provide an alternative mechanism to traditional steady stellar winds, fundamentally challenging our understanding of massive star evolution. Investigate detailed case studies of two extreme Red Supergiants: [W60] B90, which exhibits recurrent dimming events suggesting episodic mass loss and may serve as a more massive, subsolar metallicity analog of Betelgeuse, and WOH G64, the most extreme Red Supergiant in the Large Magellanic Cloud that has undergone a remarkable transformation into a Yellow Hypergiant. Discover how long-term photometry and multi-epoch spectroscopy reveal WOH G64's identification as part of a massive symbiotic system, with its evolution potentially resulting from a decades-long silent eruption or partial atmospheric ejection during a common-envelope phase. Learn how these groundbreaking findings challenge existing models of massive star evolution and underscore the critical need for additional observational constraints to better understand the fate of these enigmatic stellar giants.
