Which color represents M stars?

M stars are classified as the coolest type of stars in the stellar classification system, according to their surface temperatures and spectral characteristics. They have temperatures that typically range from about 2,500 to 3,500 Kelvin. In the context of stellar colors, the surface temperature plays a crucial role in determining how a star appears to the human eye.

Due to their lower temperatures, M stars emit most of their light in the red part of the spectrum, making them appear red when viewed from a distance. This characteristic is a direct result of blackbody radiation principles, which state that cooler objects emit light primarily in the infrared and red wavelengths. Therefore, M stars are often referred to as red dwarfs, and their red hue is a defining feature of their classification.

In contrast, higher temperature stars appear blue (like O and B types) or white/yellow (like A and F types). The color spectrum provides a visual cue about the temperature and type of a star, which is why red is the representative color for M stars.