How do red giants affect their surroundings?

What impact do red giants have on nearby stars and planets?

Red giants can significantly influence their surroundings through stellar winds and radiation, affecting nearby celestial bodies.

Can you explain how their stellar winds work?

Certainly! Stellar winds from red giants are streams of charged particles that can strip away atmospheres of nearby planets and alter their climates.

Do red giants contribute to the formation of new stars?

Yes, when red giants shed their outer layers, they enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, which can trigger star formation.

What happens to a red giant at the end of its life cycle?

At the end of its life, a red giant will expel its outer layers, creating a planetary nebula, while the core remains as a white dwarf.