From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from
K V star)
A K-type main sequence star (K V), also known as an orange dwarf, are main sequences (hydrogen-burning) stars of spectral type K and luminosity class V. These stars are intermediate in size between red M-type main sequence stars of luminosity class V and yellow G-type main sequence stars of luminosity class V. They have masses of from 0.5 to 0.8 times the mass of the Sun and surface temperatures between 3,900 and 5,200 K.[1], Tables VII, VIII. Examples include Alpha Centauri B and Epsilon Indi.[2]
These stars are of particular interest in the search for extraterrestrial life because they are stable on the main sequence for a very long time (15 to 30 billion years, compared to 10 billion for the Sun). This may create an opportunity for life to evolve on terrestrial planets orbiting such stars.[3]
[edit] References
[edit] See also
