Mass Matters: No Evidence for Ubiquitous Lithium Production in Low-mass Clump Giants

Abstract Known sources of lithium (Li) in the universe include Big Bang, novae, asymptotic giant branch stars, and cosmic-ray spallation. During their longer-lived evolutionary phases, stars are not expected to add Li budget Galaxy, but largely deplete it. In this context, recent analyses data from GALAH LAMOST for field red clump (RC) have concluded that there is need a new production channel Li, ubiquitous among low-mass would be triggered on upper (RGB) or at helium ignition. This distinct Li-rich problem reflects bulk RC star properties. We provide an analysis accounts distribution progenitor masses observed today. Such progenitors different than today’s RGB stars. Using standard post-main-sequence stellar evolution, we show giants as by consistent with model predictions, does require mechanisms. Our predicts large fraction very low abundances progenitors, higher mass ones. Moreover, should number limits giants, correspond masses. The most indeed confirm presence numbers limits, much lower mean abundance concordance our interpretation.