- #1
Barnak
- 63
- 0
I need the % of stars in our galaxy, sorted by spectral classes and also by masses. Is there any such information somewhere ?
blkqi said:Of course! There is a wealth of information on this. Wikipedia will spell out for you both the masses and populations of the spectral classes.
Studying the populations of stars by their spectral classes and masses can provide valuable insight into the evolution and characteristics of different types of stars. It can also help us better understand the formation and structure of galaxies.
Scientists use various techniques, such as spectroscopy and photometry, to analyze the light emitted by a star and determine its spectral class and mass. Spectral class is determined by the star's temperature and the presence of certain elements in its atmosphere, while mass is calculated based on the star's luminosity and distance from Earth.
There are seven main spectral classes of stars: O, B, A, F, G, K, and M. These classes are further divided into subclasses based on the presence of certain spectral features. The classes range from hottest to coolest, with O being the hottest and M being the coolest.
The population of stars in different spectral classes and masses varies greatly. For example, there are significantly more low-mass stars (M-type) than high-mass stars (O-type). Additionally, the distribution of stars in different spectral classes can provide information about the age and history of a galaxy.
The mass of a star is a crucial factor in determining its lifespan, luminosity, and other characteristics. Massive stars have shorter lifespans but are much brighter and hotter than low-mass stars. They also have stronger stellar winds and are more likely to end their lives in a supernova explosion.