Which spectral classes define the smallest true stars, according to astronomical precision?
Answer
M, K, and L dwarfs
Astronomers precisely categorize stars based on their spectral characteristics, which are closely tied to temperature and mass. The smallest true stars—those red dwarfs residing at the lower mass end of the main sequence—fall primarily into the spectral classes M, K, and L dwarfs. The M-class stars represent the most numerous and smallest members of this group, dominating the bottom rung of the stellar mass ladder. These classes represent the coolest stars capable of achieving core hydrogen fusion.

#Videos
The Smallest Stars in the Universe - Red Dwarfs - YouTube
What Types Of Dwarf Star Are There? - YouTube
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