* Low mass: They have masses typically between 0.08 and 0.5 times the mass of our Sun.
* Cool temperatures: Their surface temperatures range from 2,400 to 3,500 Kelvin, making them appear red.
* Low luminosity: They emit much less light and energy than larger stars.
* Long lifespans: Due to their slow nuclear fusion rates, they have incredibly long lifespans, potentially lasting trillions of years.
Examples of red dwarf stars:
* Proxima Centauri: The closest star to our Sun.
* Barnard's Star: A nearby red dwarf known for its relatively high proper motion.
Important Note: While red dwarfs are the smallest stars in terms of mass and size, it's important to remember that the HR diagram plots luminosity (brightness) and temperature. So, while they are small, they are not necessarily the *least luminous* stars. There are even fainter stars like white dwarfs, which are smaller than red dwarfs but are much hotter.
