This transition is likely already underway. Previous observations of π1 Gruis have revealed it is surrounded by a shell of material almost a light-year from its surface. This cooling shell of gas is believed to have been ejected from the star around 20,000 years ago.

“This relatively short period in a star’s life lasts just a few tens of thousands of years – compared to the overall lifetime of several billion,” the press release stated. “And these observations reveal a new method for probing this fleeting red giant phase.”

While this may be the first surface of another star we have ever observed in such detail, it is certain to not be the last.