Which stage in the life cycle of a star is not predicted for our Sun?

1 Answer
Nov 27, 2016

Our Sun is not predicted to undergo a nova or supernova explosion.

Explanation:

Our Sun will become a red giant and ultimately a white dwarf after it leaves the main sequence in about 5 billion years time.

The reason for this is that our Sun will only be able to fuse Hydrogen and helium. It would need to be at least 8 times its current mass to start the triple alpha process which allows the fusion of carbon and heavier elements. This process leads to the core being mainly iron which collapses causing a supernova explosion and leaving a neutron star of black hole.

White dwarf stars can supernova, but only if they have a close companion star in the red giant phase. Our Sun has no such partner. There is however a possibility that the Sun may acquire a suitable companion star when the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies collide in about 4 billion years time.