main sequence starastronomy

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  • physical properties of stars ( in astronomy: Measuring observable stellar properties )

    Stars that are in this condition of hydrostatic equilibrium are termed main-sequence stars, and they occupy a well-defined band on the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram, in which luminosity is plotted against colour index or temperature. Spectral classification, based initially on the colour index, includes the major spectral types O, B, A, F, G, K and M, each subdivided into 10 parts (see...

    in star: Hertzsprung-Russell diagram )

    ...who independently discovered the relations shown in it. As is seen in the diagram, most of the congregated stars are dwarfs lying closely around a diagonal line called the main sequence. These stars range from hot, O- and B-type, blue objects at least 10,000 times brighter than the Sun down through white A-type stars such as Sirius to orange K-type stars such as Epsilon Eridani and finally...

Citations

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"main sequence star." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 01 Dec. 2008 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/358637/main-sequence-star>.

APA Style:

main sequence star. (2008). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved December 01, 2008, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/358637/main-sequence-star

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