Browsing: Red Dwarf

Red dwarfs are the smallest and coolest type of stars on the main sequence in stellar classification. They are abundant in the universe, making up about 75% of the stellar population in the Milky Way galaxy. Red dwarfs have masses from about 0.075 to 0.50 times that of the Sun and exhibit low luminosity, emitting much of their energy in the infrared spectrum. Their surface temperatures are relatively low, ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 degrees Celsius. A key characteristic of red dwarfs is their longevity; they can burn their hydrogen fuel very efficiently over trillions of years, much longer than the expected lifespan of the universe. This makes them potentially stable environments for the development of life on orbiting planets, although their tendency to emit strong stellar flares could pose challenges for habitability.