Star Color and Temperature
Explore how a star's surface temperature determines its color
Interactive star that changes color based on temperature
Temperature Controls
Use arrow keys to adjust temperature. Home key sets minimum, End key sets maximum.
Red star, coolest temperature
Orange star, cool temperature
Yellow star, like our Sun
White star, hot temperature
Blue-white star, very hot temperature
Blue star, hottest temperature
Current Star Information
5,800 K
G-type (Yellow) - Like our Sun!
Color: Bright yellow-white
Keyboard Navigation Instructions
- Tab: Move between interactive elements
- Arrow Keys: While slider is selected, adjust temperature slider (Left/Down: decrease, Right/Up: increase)
- Home: While slider is selected, set slider to minimum temperature (2500K).
- End: While slider is selected, set slider to maximum temperature (15000K).
- Enter/Space: While a button is selected, activate preset buttons
Star Classification by Temperature
- M-type (Red): 2,500K - 3,500K - Coolest stars
- K-type (Orange): 3,500K - 5,000K - Cool stars
- G-type (Yellow): 5,000K - 6,000K - Our Sun is here!
- F-type (White): 6,000K - 7,500K - Hot stars
- A-type (Blue-White): 7,500K - 10,000K - Very hot stars
- B/O-type (Blue): 10,000K+ - Hottest stars