On what absolute temperature scale is stellar surface temperature quantified, setting absolute zero at 0 K?
Answer
The Kelvin scale
Stellar surface temperature is a critical, quantifiable characteristic usually measured using the Kelvin (K) scale. This scale is an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale where $0$ K corresponds precisely to absolute zero, which is equivalent to $-273.15$ degrees Celsius. Stellar surfaces range dramatically on this scale, from about $2,500$ K for the coolest red stars up to $50,000$ K for the hottest varieties. It is important to distinguish this surface reading from the star's core temperature, which must reach millions of Kelvins to sustain the energy generation process of nuclear fusion.
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