Which spectral types correspond to the very hottest blue stars at the top of the temperature scale?
Answer
O and B types
The sequence of stellar classification types directly maps to the temperature gradient observed in star colors. At the highest temperature end of the scale are the blue stars, which are the hottest class. These correspond specifically to the O and B spectral types. These stellar objects burn at the highest surface temperatures recorded, contrasting sharply with cooler types. For instance, the hottest O-type blue stars can achieve surface temperatures exceeding 30,000 Kelvin, placing them firmly at the beginning of the O, B, A, F, G, K, M ordering, which is arranged by decreasing temperature.
Related Questions
Which spectral types correspond to the very hottest blue stars at the top of the temperature scale?What colors represent the coolest stars visible through observation, terminating the sequence at the bottom?What is the stellar classification type for our Sun, which is described as a familiar yellow star?How does the peak wavelength of emitted light relate to the color sequence from blue (hottest) to red (coolest)?Where are white stars positioned in the thermal ladder relative to hotter blue varieties and cooler yellow stars?What is the approximate temperature range for the coolest M-type red dwarfs mentioned in the context of O-type stars?Despite the Sun appearing yellow to us on Earth, where does its actual light output peak in the spectrum?Which star is specifically compared to Betelgeuse to demonstrate the most dramatic, easily observable contrast in stellar hues?What is the mnemonic used to remember the spectral classification system ordered by decreasing temperature?What factor causes an observer to sometimes perceive subtle color variations inaccurately, especially when observing a faint star?