What does the 'V' signify in the Sun's formal G2V classification?
Answer
It belongs to the main sequence phase
The designation G2V uses a standard stellar classification system where the Roman numeral 'V' specifically indicates that the star is currently residing on the main sequence. The main sequence is the longest and most stable phase of a star's life, representing the period during which it consistently generates energy through the nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium in its core. For the Sun, this phase allows for billions of years of relatively constant energy output, which is crucial for the stability required for life to evolve on orbiting planets. The 'G2' component precedes this numeral and refers to the spectral type, which is directly related to the star's surface temperature.
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