Sky science
Spectral Type
Direct answer
Spectral Type classifies a star chiefly by temperature-sensitive spectral features using the OBAFGKM sequence and refinements.
It is a spectrum-based stellar temperature class.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Lunar Libration, Stellar Spectrum, Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram, Main Sequence
It is a spectrum-based stellar temperature class.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.
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The story behind Spectral Type
Harvard astronomers organized photographic spectra into the modern temperature sequence.
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Why Spectral Type matters
Spectral Type connects observable lines with temperature, color, and broad physical properties.
Spectral Type in practice: an example
The Sun is approximately G2 V: a G subtype main-sequence star.
Where readings of Spectral Type go wrong
Letter order is historical and does not rank size, age, or importance.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NASA Science: Stars - NASA overview of stellar birth, main-sequence evolution, giant phases, remnants, and supernovae.
- European Southern Observatory: Spectroscopy - Observatory explanation of spectra and the physical information encoded in astronomical light.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Decode a star’s spectral label
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Common questions
What is Spectral Type?
Spectral Type classifies a star chiefly by temperature-sensitive spectral features using the OBAFGKM sequence and refinements.
What do people get wrong about Spectral Type?
Letter order is historical and does not rank size, age, or importance.
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