Stellar temperature

Definition

Stellar temperature is the surface temperature of a star, determined by its color and spectral type. It indicates how much energy the star emits and affects its luminosity and life cycle.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stellar temperature is measured in Kelvin (K).
2. A star's color is directly related to its temperature, with blue stars being hotter and red stars being cooler.
3. The Wien's Law states that the peak wavelength of light emitted by a star inversely depends on its temperature.
4. Main sequence stars can range from about 2,500 K to over 40,000 K in surface temperature.
5. Spectral classification (O, B, A, F, G, K, M) is based on stellar temperature.

Review Questions

• What unit is used to measure stellar temperature?
• How does a star's color correlate with its temperature?
• Which law relates the peak wavelength of light emitted by a star to its temperature?

Related terms

Wien's Law: This law states that the peak emission wavelength of a black body is inversely proportional to its absolute temperature.

Spectral Type: Classification system for stars based on their spectra and surface temperatures.

Luminosity: The total amount of energy emitted by a star per unit time.