
What are The 7 Main Types Of Stars?
Answer
144.6k+ views
Hint: A star is an astronomical object made up of spheroid-shaped plasma which is held together in a proper shape by its strong gravitational forces. The gravitational collapse of the gaseous mass composed primarily of hydrogen and helium with heavier elements in trace amounts leads to the beginning of the life of a star. The total mass of a star is the main factor to determine the evolution and eventual fate of the star. A star shines for most of its active life due to the continuous thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen which is turned into helium in its core.
Complete step by step solution:
It is a common observation in the night sky that different stars showcase different colors when observed by our naked eyes. Our sun, the closest star to planet Earth, is orange in color while the distant ones are bluish in color. This difference in color is due to the temperature of the star and its spectra(the lights from the spectrum of white light that an object absorbs or reflects).
Stars are categorized into different groups on the basis of their mass and temperature.
On this basis of classification based on temperature difference, there are seven main types of stars. They are classified according to the order of decreasing temperature O, B, A, F, G, K, and M. In this order, O and B are uncommon and they represent very hot and bright stars. M stars are more common, cooler, and dim stars.
The 7 Main Spectral Types of Stars are:
O (Blue) - 10 Lacerta
B (Blue) - Rigel
A (Blue) - Sirius
F (Blue/White) - Procyon
G (White/Yellow) - Sun
K (Orange/Red) - Arcturus
M (Red) – Betelgeuse
Note: This system of classification of stars based on their spectral abilities is referred to as the “Morgan Keenan” system. The system of classification was introduced by William Wilson Morgan and Philip C Keenan in 1943.
Complete step by step solution:
It is a common observation in the night sky that different stars showcase different colors when observed by our naked eyes. Our sun, the closest star to planet Earth, is orange in color while the distant ones are bluish in color. This difference in color is due to the temperature of the star and its spectra(the lights from the spectrum of white light that an object absorbs or reflects).
Stars are categorized into different groups on the basis of their mass and temperature.
On this basis of classification based on temperature difference, there are seven main types of stars. They are classified according to the order of decreasing temperature O, B, A, F, G, K, and M. In this order, O and B are uncommon and they represent very hot and bright stars. M stars are more common, cooler, and dim stars.
The 7 Main Spectral Types of Stars are:
O (Blue) - 10 Lacerta
B (Blue) - Rigel
A (Blue) - Sirius
F (Blue/White) - Procyon
G (White/Yellow) - Sun
K (Orange/Red) - Arcturus
M (Red) – Betelgeuse
Note: This system of classification of stars based on their spectral abilities is referred to as the “Morgan Keenan” system. The system of classification was introduced by William Wilson Morgan and Philip C Keenan in 1943.
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