* Small Size and Low Mass: Red dwarfs are the smallest and least massive stars. They have much less mass than our sun, which means they have less gravitational pressure at their cores.
* Slower Fusion Rate: The lower pressure results in a slower rate of nuclear fusion, which is the process that powers stars. Red dwarfs burn hydrogen into helium very slowly.
* Low Temperature: This slow fusion rate leads to much lower core temperatures compared to larger stars. Lower temperatures mean they emit less light and mostly in the infrared range, which is invisible to the human eye.
Think of it this way: Imagine a small campfire compared to a huge bonfire. The campfire will burn for a long time but give off much less light and heat than the bonfire. Red dwarfs are like the campfires of the universe!
While we can't see their light easily with our eyes, they are incredibly important because they are the most common type of star in the galaxy and can live for trillions of years. They are also being studied for potential habitability, as they might offer a stable environment for life to develop.
