How does size influence the appearance of a star? Give an example in your response.

Answer 1

Size plays a significant role in determining the appearance of a star. Larger stars tend to be brighter, hotter, and have a higher surface temperature, giving them a bluer color. They also have a shorter lifespan compared to smaller stars.

For example, Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the constellation Orion. It is one of the largest stars known, with a radius approximately 1,000 times that of the Sun. Due to its immense size, Betelgeuse appears as a bright red star, contrasting with the blue-white color of smaller, hotter stars like Sirius. The size of Betelgeuse not only affects its appearance but also its evolution, as it is expected to undergo a supernova explosion in the relatively near future.