What Does HB Stand For?
HB stands for Horizontal Branch
HB, or Horizontal Branch, refers to a stage in stellar evolution where stars, typically of low to intermediate mass, undergo helium fusion in their cores after exhausting hydrogen. During this phase, these stars expand and stabilize, creating a distinctive horizontal alignment on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. The Horizontal Branch represents a critical transition in the lifecycle of stars, influencing the chemical enrichment of galaxies and the evolution of stellar populations.
Added on 14th April 2008 | Last edited on 16th June 2025 | Edit Acronym