Main-sequence stars range from very luminous objects to faint M-type dwarf stars, and they vary considerably in their surface temperatures, their bolometric (total) luminosities, and their radii. Moreover, for stars of a given mass, a fair spread in radius, luminosity, surface temperature, and spectral type may exist. This spread is produced by stellar evolutionary effects and tends to broaden the main sequence. Masses are obtained from visual and eclipsing binary systems observed spectroscopically. Radii are found from eclipsing binary systems, from direct measurements in a few favourable cases, by calculations, and from absolute visual magnitudes and temperatures.
Average values for radius, bolometric luminosity, and mass are meaningful only for dwarf stars. Giant and subgiant stars all show large ranges in radius for a given mass. Conversely, giant stars of very nearly the same radius, surface temperature, and luminosity can have appreciably different masses.
Embryonic-stars-in-the-Eagle-Nebula-This-detail-of-aEmbryonic stars in the Eagle Nebula (M16, NCG 6611)[Credits : Photo AURA/STScI/NASA/JPL (NASA photo # STScI-PRC95-44b)]
Light-curve-of-Algol-an-eclipsing-variable-or-eclipsing-binaryLight curve of Algol (Beta Persei), an eclipsing variable, or eclipsing binary, star system. The …[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
Schematic-spectrum-luminosity-correlation-of-spiral-arm-stars-in-theSchematic spectrum–luminosity correlation (Hertzsprung–Russell diagram) of spiral-arm …[Credits : From Astrophysical Journal, reproduced by permission of the American Astronomical Society]
Colour-magnitude-diagram-for-an-old-globular-cluster-made-upColour-magnitude (Hertzsprung-Russell) diagram for an old globular cluster made up of Population II …[Credits : From Astrophysical Journal, reproduced by permission of the American Astronomical Society]
Eta-CarinaeEta Carinae.[Credits : Photo AURA/STScI/NASA/JPL (NASA photo # STScI-PRC96-23a)]
N81-and-new-stars-observed-by-the-Hubble-Space-TelescopeN81 and new stars, observed by the Hubble Space Telescope.[Credits : Photo AURA/STScI/NASA/JPL (NASA photo # STScI-PR98-25)]
Centre-of-the-Orion-Nebula-Astronomers-have-identified-some-700Centre of the Orion Nebula (M42).[Credits : Photo AURA/STScI/NASA/JPL (NASA photo # STScI-PRC95-45a)]
Stellar-parallaxFigure 3: Stellar parallax[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
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