PX282 - E5c - helium flash

this happens if the mass of a star is more than $2 M_{⊙}$
the core is degenerate with no regulation and runaway fusion
He-fusion ignites core in a few seconds
fusion is a $3 α$ process ( $3_{2}^{4}$ He $\to$ $_{6}^{12}$ C)
the energy released is comparable to a galaxy, but is mostly absorbed by outer layers
ends when degeneracy is lifted