Evolution of lithium in low-mass giants: an observational perspective

Abstract

The overabundance of lithium in low-mass red giants has been a topic of interest for over four decades. Low-mass stars are expected to destroy lithium gradually throughout their lifetimes. Against this expectation, about 1% of red giants in the Galaxy show anomalously large Li which, in the literature, areknown as lithium-rich giants. The advent of large-scale stellar surveys (LAMOST, GALAH, Kepler, Gaia) coupled with high-resolution spectra enabled to find important clues about Li enhancement origin in redgiants. These new studies suggest Li enhancement is mostly associated with the red clump region, post-Heflash. Here, we will describe our recent results along with current updates in the field.