F Stars

Astronomers classify the stars out there into groups based on the color of the star and the presence of certain elements in the star’s atmosphere. The classifications are: O, B, A, F, G, K, M (just remember this handy mnemonic , “Oh be a fine girl, kiss me”.) F stars are still hotter than the Sun, appearing white to our eyes.

F stars have a surface temperature of 6,000 Kelvin to 7,200 Kelvin. You can also recognize an F star by the presence of Calcium in their spectral signature, as well as neutral metals like Iron and Chromium. F stars represent 3.1% of all stars.

Some familiar F stars include Arrakis, Canopus, Procyon.

We have written many articles about stars here on Universe Today. Here’s an article about some strange observations of Procyon.

If you’d like more information on stars, check out Hubblesite’s News Releases about Stars, and here’s the stars and galaxies homepage.

We have recorded several episodes of Astronomy Cast about stars. Here are two that you might find helpful: Episode 12: Where Do Baby Stars Come From, and Episode 13: Where Do Stars Go When they Die?