It is believed that the surface of the star oscillates slightly, a common feature of red giant stars.
This type of low-mass star has consumed the hydrogen at its core, evolved away from the main sequence, and passed through the red giant stage.
The s-process is a slow neutron capture of lighter elements inside pulsating red giant stars.
The star is now approaching the end of its life, and has expanded its outer envelope to become a red giant star.
On an inspiration, they scan "inside" the red giant star, and discover a truly ancient rocky world which the star had enveloped in its expansion.
In another few million years it will likely cease hydrogen fusion, expand, and brighten as it becomes a red giant.
The star, which is estimated to be at least nine billion years old, has passed the red giant phase.
Once a star has evolved sufficiently to become a red giant, its circumstellar habitable zone will change dramatically from its main-sequence size.
