On 'the' spectral type-mass relation for main-sequence stars

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (10) References (9) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS On ``the'' Spectral Type--Mass Relation for Main-Sequence Stars Nordstrom, Birgitta Abstract The validity of a unique spectral type-mass relation for main-sequence stars is examined in some detail. In this connection, attention is given to the basis for the recent result by van Hamme and Wilson (1986) that systematic 'mass discrepancies' exist between directly determined ('radial-velocity') masses and those ('spectral type masses') inferred from the spectral type-mass relation by Habets and Heintze (1981). It is shown that the apparent reality of these 'mass discrepancies' (and hence of their proposed dependence on chemical composition and stellar internal structure) is primarily due to the use of a calibration relation which is only valid for stars in the lower part of the main-sequence band. It is also demonstrated that application of a mean spectrum-mass relation carries an inherent uncertainty of some + or - 15 percent due to effects of evolution within the main-sequence band. Some examples are given of the range of stellar properties within the main-sequence band and ways to improve the calibrations are discussed. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1989 DOI: 10.1086/167551 Bibcode: 1989ApJ...341..934N Keywords: Eclipsing Binary Stars; Main Sequence Stars; Mass To Light Ratios; Stellar Luminosity; Metallicity; Radial Velocity; Stellar Evolution; Stellar Mass; Stellar Spectra; Astrophysics; MASS-LUMINOSITY RELATION; STARS: ECLIPSING BINARIES; STARS: EVOLUTION full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (7)