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Stellar Classification

Stellar Classification is a way to differentiate stars according to their luminosity and temperatures. These temperatures are measured by looking at a spectrum which determines their temperature and luminosity. The spectrum measures its color from red to a blue-white. There are many different spectral types. These spectral types are known as O,B,A,F,G,K and M. The O stars are the hottest and the M stars are the coldest. Lets start by talking about the spectral type O. Class O stars are the darkest blue in color meaning they are very luminous and very hot at around 28-50,000 Kelvin. They are known to be the rarest stars throughout the main sequence but some of the most largest stars tend to be within this spectral class. Class B stars are blue in color, still extremely luminous. These spectral classes, O stars and B stars are powerful stars but tend to live for a short period of time. These stars range from a temperature of about 10-28,000 kelvin. Class A stars are known to be light blue in color which are made up of stong hydrogen and other ionized metals. Class A stars temperature range from about 7,500-10,000 kelvin. The white stars we see are listed under the Spectral class F. Class F stars range from a temperature of 6-7,500 Kelvin. These stars are made up of hydrogen and ionized metals but also made up of calcium and iron. G type stars are yellow in color. They are as hot as 5-6,000 Kelvin. We are now in the cooler part of the spectral class. These stars are composed of neutral and ionized atoms. A K class star is mostly composed of neutral metals. Their temperature is at a range of about 3,500-5,000 Kelvin. Most K stars are on the giants and supergiants side of the main sequence. Finally, we can talk about the M stars. M stars look red to our eyes. In temperature they range from 2,500-3,500 Kelvin. These are known to be the most common stars. These are the coolest stars in our universe.