What stellar demographic defines the light signature of an Elliptical Galaxy?
Answer
Old, evolved giants and long-lived, cooler stars
The light emitted by an Elliptical Galaxy is overwhelmingly dominated by stars that have completed the energetic, blue-shining phase of their lives. Hot, massive stars (O or B types) consume their fuel rapidly, lasting only a few million years, resulting in brilliant blue light when star formation is active. Since elliptical galaxies have largely ceased star birth, their observable light comes from stars that have evolved into red giants or smaller, cooler stars that possess extremely long lifespans. These cooler, longer-lived stars emit light weighted toward the warmer, reddish-yellow end of the spectrum, giving the entire galaxy its characteristic aged hue.
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