what type of star is in spectral class K and has a luminosity of 10^6

A. White Dwarf
B. Red Giant
C. Red Supergiant
D. Blue Giant

Which one is correct?

1 answer

A star in spectral class K with a luminosity of \(10^6\) times that of the Sun is most likely a Red Giant.

  • White Dwarf: These are small, dense stars that have lost their outer layers; they are not nearly as luminous.
  • Red Giant: Stars in this category are large and cool, and they can have high luminosities, ranging from hundreds to millions of times that of the Sun.
  • Red Supergiant: These stars are even larger than red giants but generally have spectral classes of M rather than K.
  • Blue Giant: These stars are hot and luminous but are classified with spectral classes O or B, not K.

Given this information, the correct answer is B. Red Giant.