Post-main sequence evolution refers to the phase in a star's life cycle that occurs after it has exhausted the hydrogen fuel in its core and has moved beyond the main sequence stage of stellar evolution. During this time, stars undergo significant changes in structure and energy generation processes, leading to various outcomes based on their mass, including red giant formation, helium burning, and the eventual fate of becoming white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. This stage is crucial for understanding stellar nucleosynthesis processes as elements are produced and distributed into the galaxy.
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