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{{WIP|reason=Characteristics and distribution of less common star types are still under development.}}
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'''Star Types'''
[[Starship Simulator]] features a diverse range of star types within its procedurally generated [[Milky Way]] galaxy, based on the real-world '''stellar classification''' system and astrophysical principles. The type of star significantly influences the formation, characteristics, and potential habitability of its surrounding planetary system, as well as how it appears visually and on [[Sensors]]. The game generates main sequence stars (O, B, A, F, G, K, M), brown dwarfs (L, T, Y), and stellar remnants (White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, Black Holes). Groundwork for other types like T-Tauri and Wolf-Rayet stars has also been implemented.


[[Starship Simulator]] features a diverse range of star types within its procedurally generated [[Milky Way]] galaxy, based on the real-world '''stellar classification''' system and astrophysical principles. The type of star significantly influences the formation, characteristics, and potential habitability of its surrounding planetary system. The game generates main sequence stars (O, B, A, F, G, K, M), brown dwarfs (L, T, Y), and stellar remnants (White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, Black Holes). Groundwork for other types like T-Tauri and Wolf-Rayet stars has also been implemented.
== Stellar Classification ==
The game uses the standard '''OBAFGKM''' spectral sequence for main-sequence stars, ordered from hottest (O) to coolest (M), along with '''L''', '''T''', and '''Y''' classes for brown dwarfs. This sequence primarily indicates the star's surface temperature.


== Stellar Classification ==
To provide more detail, the full classification adds a number (0-9) and a Roman numeral (I-VII):
The game uses the standard OBAFGKM spectral sequence for main-sequence stars, ordered from hottest to coolest, along with L, T, and Y classes for brown dwarfs. Development Build 0.225.0.30 introduced support for 80 stellar sub-classes, ranging from O0V (~50,000 K) down to Y9 (~250 K).
*'''Number (0-9):''' This digit subdivides each spectral class, indicating temperature within that class. '''0''' is the hottest sub-type, and '''9''' is the coolest. For example, a G0 star is hotter than a G2 star, which is hotter than a G9 star.
*'''Roman Numeral (Luminosity Class):''' This indicates the star's size and evolutionary stage, relating to its intrinsic brightness. Common classes are:
** '''V:''' Main Sequence (Dwarf stars) - Actively fusing hydrogen in their core (e.g., [[Sol]] is G2'''V''').
** '''IV:''' Subgiant - Starting to evolve off the main sequence.
** '''III:''' Giant - Evolved, larger stars.
** '''II:''' Bright Giant.
** '''I:''' Supergiant (often subdivided into Ia, Iab, Ib) - Very large, luminous, massive stars.
** '''VI / sd:''' Subdwarf.
** '''VII / D:''' White Dwarf (stellar remnant).
 
''A common [[wikipedia:Stellar_classification#Mnemonics|mnemonic]] used to remember the main sequence order (O, B, A, F, G, K, M) is "'''O'''h, '''B'''e '''A''' '''F'''ine '''G'''irl/'''G'''uy, '''K'''iss '''M'''e!". Extensions sometimes include the brown dwarf classes: "...Kiss '''M'''e, '''L'''ovingly, '''T'''oday, '''Y'''ay!".''
 
[[Dev Builds|Development Build 0.225.0.30]] introduced support for 80 stellar sub-classes within the game, ranging from O0V (~50,000 K) down to Y9 (~250 K), allowing for these finer distinctions within each major class.


== Main Sequence Stars ==
== Main Sequence Stars ==
These are stars actively fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores.
These are stars in the main phase of their life cycle (Luminosity Class '''V'''), actively fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores. They represent the vast majority of stars observed.


=== O-Type ===
=== O-Type ===
* '''Colour:''' Blue-Violet
* '''Colour:''' blue-violet
* '''Temperature:''' > 30,000 K (O0V ~50,000 K)
* '''Temperature:''' > 30,000 K (O0V ~50,000 K)
* '''Characteristics:''' Extremely hot, luminous, massive, and short-lived. Very rare.
* '''Mass / Luminosity:''' highest mass (> 16 M☉) and extremely luminous (thousands of times brighter than Sol)
* '''Location:''' Primarily found in star-forming regions (Open Clusters) within the Thin Disc's spiral arms.
* '''Lifespan:''' very short (millions of years).
* '''System Notes:''' Due to high radiation and short lifespan, complex life is unlikely. Planets may be fewer or primarily gas giants; rocky planets would lack heavier elements if formed early (Population II).
* '''Commonality:''' extremely rare (< 0.0001%)
* '''Location:''' found almost exclusively in active star-forming regions (Open Clusters) within the Thin Disc's spiral arms
* '''System Notes:''' intense ultraviolet radiation and powerful stellar winds make close-in habitability virtually impossible. Their short lives often preclude the development of complex life. Systems may have fewer rocky planets due to potentially lower initial metallicity in some formation regions, or planets may be stripped of atmospheres. Often end their lives in supernovae, potentially forming Neutron Stars or Black Holes.


=== B-Type ===
=== B-Type ===
* '''Colour:''' Blue-White
* '''Colour:'''blue-white
* '''Temperature:''' 10,000 K - 30,000 K
* '''Temperature:''' 10,000 K - 30,000 K
* '''Characteristics:''' Very hot, luminous, massive, relatively short-lived. Rare.
* '''Mass / Luminosity:''' high mass (2 - 16 M☉) and very luminous
* '''Location:''' Mostly found in the Thin Disc's spiral arms, often near O-type stars or in young clusters.
* '''Lifespan:''' short (tens to hundreds of millions of years)
* '''System Notes:''' Intense radiation makes surface habitability difficult close-in.
* '''Commonality:''' rare (~0.1%)
* '''Location:''' predominantly found in younger regions of the Thin Disc arms, often associated with O-type stars
* '''System Notes:''' high radiation levels still pose challenges for close-in habitability. Likely to host gas giants and potentially some rocky worlds if metallicity allows. End life as White Dwarfs or potentially via supernova for the most massive examples.


=== A-Type ===
=== A-Type ===
* '''Colour:''' White
* '''Colour:''' white
* '''Temperature:''' 7,500 K - 10,000 K
* '''Temperature:''' 7,500 K - 10,000 K
* '''Characteristics:''' Hot, bright stars. More common than O or B types.
* '''Mass / Luminosity:''' moderately high mass (~1.4 - 2 M☉), significantly brighter than Sol
* '''Location:''' Common in the Thin Disc.
* '''Lifespan:''' moderately short (hundreds of millions to ~1 billion years)
* '''System Notes:''' [[Habitable Zone]] further out than G-type stars.
* '''Commonality:''' uncommon (~0.6%)
* '''Location:''' common throughout the Thin Disc
* '''System Notes:''' [[Habitable Zone]] is wider and further out than Sol's. Planets may form readily, but the star's lifespan is shorter than Sol's, potentially limiting complex life evolution time. End life as White Dwarfs. Sirius is a notable real-world example.


=== F-Type ===
=== F-Type ===
* '''Colour:''' Yellow-White
* '''Colour:''' yellow-white
* '''Temperature:''' 6,000 K - 7,500 K
* '''Temperature:''' 6,000 K - 7,500 K
* '''Characteristics:''' Slightly hotter and more massive than Sol. Common.
* '''Mass / Luminosity:''' slightly more massive than Sol (~1.0 - 1.4 M☉), brighter than Sol
* '''Location:''' Widely found in the Thin Disc.
* '''Lifespan:''' long (few billion years)
* '''System Notes:''' Good candidates for finding potentially habitable worlds.
* '''Commonality:''' common (~3%)
* '''Location:''' abundant throughout the Thin Disc
* '''System Notes:''' considered good candidates for habitable planets, with habitable zones slightly further out than Sol's. Offer a long stable period for potential life development. End life as White Dwarfs. Polaris (the North Star) is an example.


=== G-Type ===
=== G-Type ===
* '''Colour:''' Yellow
* '''Colour:''' yellow
* '''Temperature:''' 5,000 K - 6,000 K
* '''Temperature:''' 5,200 K - 6,000 K
* '''Characteristics:''' Stable, long-lived stars like Earth's [[Sol]] (a G2V type). Common.
* '''Mass / Luminosity:''' Sol-like mass (~0.8 - 1.0 M☉) and luminosity
* '''Location:''' Abundant throughout the Thin Disc.
* '''Lifespan:''' very long (~10 billion years)
* '''System Notes:''' Considered prime candidates for hosting Earth-like planets within their well-defined [[Habitable Zone]].
* '''Commonality:''' fairly common (~7.6%)
* '''Location:''' abundant throughout the Thin Disc
* '''System Notes:''' considered prime candidates for Earth-like worlds due to stable energy output and long lifespans. Earth's [[Sol]] (G2V) is the benchmark. The [[Habitable Zone]] is well-defined. End life as White Dwarfs.


=== K-Type ===
=== K-Type ===
* '''Colour:''' Orange
* '''Colour:''' orange
* '''Temperature:''' 3,500 K - 5,000 K
* '''Temperature:''' 3,700 K - 5,200 K
* '''Characteristics:''' Cooler, less massive, and longer-lived than G-type stars. Very common.
* '''Mass / Luminosity:''' less massive than Sol (~0.45 - 0.8 M☉), dimmer than Sol
* '''Location:''' Very common throughout the galaxy, including older regions.
* '''Lifespan:''' extremely long (tens of billions of years)
* '''System Notes:''' [[Habitable Zone]] is closer to the star. Long lifespan provides ample time for potential life development, though planets may experience tidal locking more frequently.
* '''Commonality:''' very common (~12%)
* '''Location:'''found throughout the galaxy, including older populations in the Thick Disc and Bulge
* '''System Notes:''' [[Habitable Zone]] is closer to the star, increasing the likelihood of planets being tidally locked. Lower UV radiation but potentially higher flare activity compared to G-types. Their extremely long lifespans offer vast timescales for life to potentially develop. End life as White Dwarfs (eventually). Arcturus is an example.


=== M-Type ===
=== M-Type ===
* '''Colour:''' Red-Orange
* '''Colour:''' red
* '''Temperature:''' < 3,500 K
* '''Temperature:''' < 3,700 K
* '''Characteristics:''' Red dwarfs. The most common type of star in the Milky Way (~76%). Cool, dim, very low mass, extremely long-lived.
* '''Mass / Luminosity:''' low mass (~0.08 - 0.45 M☉), very dim
* '''Location:''' Ubiquitous across all galactic regions.
* '''Lifespan:''' exceptionally long (trillions of years)
* '''System Notes:''' [[Habitable Zone]] is very close to the star, increasing risk of tidal locking and stellar flare activity impacting habitability. Developer notes mention their visual brightness from the [[Bridge]] window has been toned down for realism.
* '''Commonality:''' most common type of star (~76%)
* '''Location:''' ubiquitous across all galactic regions and populations
* '''System Notes:''' [[Habitable Zone]] is very close, making planets highly susceptible to tidal locking and intense stellar flare activity, which may challenge surface habitability despite the star's longevity. Form predominantly rocky planets if metallicity permits. Visibility from the [[Bridge]] window was toned down in dev builds for realism. Proxima Centauri is a nearby example. Will eventually become White Dwarfs after potentially trillions of years.


== Brown Dwarfs ==
== Brown Dwarfs ==
Sub-stellar objects not massive enough to sustain hydrogen fusion like main sequence stars. They bridge the gap between giant planets and small stars. Groundwork added in Build 0.225.0.16, implementation in Build 0.225.0.25.
Sub-stellar objects lacking sufficient mass to ignite sustained hydrogen fusion. They represent a link between the smallest stars and the largest planets. Groundwork added in Build 0.225.0.16, implementation in Build 0.225.0.25.


=== L-Type ===
=== L-Type ===
* '''Temperature:''' ~1,300 K - ~2,400 K
* '''Temperature:''' ~1,300 K - ~2,400 K
* '''Characteristics:''' Hotter than planets, cooler than M-type stars. Emit mostly infrared light.
* '''Characteristics:'''formed like stars but never achieved stable fusion. Emit primarily in infrared. Hotter than T-types, may show lithium lines in spectra.
* '''Notes:''' Too dim to be easily visible from the [[Bridge]] window (Build 0.225.0.66). Holo display colour clamped to avoid appearing too bright (Build 0.225.0.49).
* '''Notes:''' very dim visually. Holo display colour clamped in-game (Build 0.225.0.49) and low visibility from bridge (Build 0.225.0.66).


=== T-Type ===
=== T-Type ===
* '''Temperature:''' ~700 K - ~1,300 K
* '''Temperature:''' ~700 K - ~1,300 K
* '''Characteristics:''' Cooler still, with methane prominent in their atmospheres. Sometimes exhibit a magenta tint in-game (Build 0.225.0.26).
* '''Characteristics:''' cooler than L-types, with methane absorption bands prominent in their spectra, distinguishing them from M-type stars. Sometimes described as having a magenta appearance in-game (Build 0.225.0.26).
* '''Notes:''' As L-Type, low visibility and adjusted holo display colour.
* '''Notes:''' extremely dim visually, emit mostly infrared. Low visibility and adjusted holo display colour in-game.


=== Y-Type ===
=== Y-Type ===
* '''Temperature:''' < ~700 K (down to ~250 K for Y9)
* '''Temperature:''' < ~700 K (down to ~250 K for Y9)
* '''Characteristics:''' The coolest category, extremely dim, essentially planetary mass objects radiating residual heat.
* '''Characteristics:''' the coolest category of star-like objects, essentially failed stars or giant planets radiating remnant heat. Water ice clouds may form in their atmospheres.
* '''Notes:''' As L/T-Type, very low visibility and adjusted holo display colour.
* '''Notes:''' emit almost entirely in infrared. Very difficult to detect. Low visibility and adjusted holo display colour in-game.


== Stellar Remnants ==
== Stellar Remnants ==
The end-points of stellar evolution for different types of stars.
The compact objects left behind after stars exhaust their nuclear fuel and cease fusion.


=== White Dwarf ===
=== White Dwarf ===
* '''Characteristics:''' The dense, hot core left behind by a low-to-medium mass star (like Sol) after it exhausts its nuclear fuel and sheds its outer layers. Gradually cools over billions of years.
* '''Luminosity Class:''' VII or D
* '''Notes:''' Data for ~2 million real white dwarfs within 2000 LY of Sol added in Build 0.225.0.27.
* '''Characteristics:''' the dense (~Earth-sized, ~0.6 Solar mass) remnant core of a low-to-medium mass star (like types A through M). Extremely hot initially, but cools slowly over billions of years as it radiates stored thermal energy. Composed mostly of carbon and oxygen.
* '''Notes:''' data for millions of real white dwarfs included in the game's stellar database (Build 0.225.0.27)


=== Neutron Star ===
=== Neutron Star ===
* '''Characteristics:''' Extremely dense object composed primarily of neutrons, formed from the supernova explosion of a massive star (too small to form a black hole). Often rotate rapidly (pulsars).
* '''Characteristics:''' an incredibly dense object (~city-sized, ~1.4-2 Solar masses) composed almost entirely of neutrons, supported by neutron degeneracy pressure. Formed during the supernova of a massive star not quite massive enough to become a black hole. Often possess extremely strong magnetic fields and rapid rotation (pulsars).
* '''Notes:''' Groundwork for implementation added in Build 0.225.0.16.
* '''Notes:''' groundwork for implementation added (Build 0.225.0.16)


=== Black Hole ===
=== Black Hole ===
* '''Characteristics:''' A region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. Formed from the collapse of very massive stars or through other processes (like galactic cores).
* '''Characteristics:''' an object with gravity so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape from within its event horizon. Formed from the collapse of the most massive stars or through galactic center processes ([[Sagittarius A*]]). Defined by mass, spin, and charge.
* '''Notes:''' Groundwork added (Build 0.225.0.16). [[Sagittarius A*]] placed at (0,0,0). Behaviour refined (mass range, radii) and planets added (tend to be icy due to large Roche limits) in Build 0.225.0.31. Holo display rendering size fixed (Build 0.225.0.44).
* '''Notes:''' groundwork added (Build 0.225.0.16). Specific behaviour refined in-game including mass ranges, radii, and surrounding planets (tend to be icy due to immense Roche limits) (Build 0.225.0.31). Holo display rendering fixed (Build 0.225.0.44).


== Other Types ==
== Other Types ==
Groundwork has been laid for additional stellar or sub-stellar objects:
Groundwork has been laid for additional stellar or sub-stellar objects, indicating they are planned features:
* '''T-Tauri Stars:''' Very young stars still in the process of gravitational contraction, before reaching the main sequence.
* '''T-Tauri Stars:''' pre-main-sequence stars, representing a very early stage in stellar evolution before stable hydrogen fusion begins. Often variable and associated with strong stellar winds and accretion disks.
* '''Wolf-Rayet Stars:''' Massive, very hot stars rapidly losing mass via strong stellar winds.
* '''Wolf-Rayet Stars:''' very massive, hot stars nearing the end of their lives, characterized by powerful stellar winds that strip away their outer hydrogen layers, revealing helium and heavier elements. Precursors to some types of supernovae.
* '''Rogue Planets:''' Planetary-mass objects not gravitationally bound to any star, drifting through interstellar space.
* '''Rogue Planets:''' planetary-mass objects that have been ejected from their original star systems and drift freely through interstellar space


== In-Game Significance ==
== In-Game Significance ==
A star's type directly impacts:
A star's type directly impacts multiple aspects of gameplay and exploration:
* '''Visuals:''' The appearance and colour of the star from space and on the [[Sensors]]/Holo-display. Sensor UI elements reflect star colour based on Kelvin temperature (Build 0.225.0.45). Spectral analysis graphics available (Build 0.225.0.64).
* '''Visuals & Sensors:''' determines the star's appearance, colour, and spectral signature, affecting visual identification and [[Sensors]] readings (including UI colour coding and spectral analysis graphics). The full classification (e.g., G2V) provides more detailed information.
* '''System Generation:''' Influences the type and distribution of planets likely to form (e.g., metallicity based on star population type, likelihood of rocky vs gas planets).
* '''System Environment:''' dictates the [[Habitable Zone]] location, radiation levels, and overall energy environment of a star system
* '''Habitable Zone:''' Determines the location and size of the region where liquid water might exist.
* '''Planet Formation:''' influences the types and composition (metallicity) of planets likely to be found orbiting the star
* '''Navigation:''' Star types may influence FTL travel or generate specific hazards (e.g., high radiation near O/B stars, gravitational effects near remnants).
* '''Life Potential:''' star type, age, and stability are key factors in the procedural generation of life and civilizations
 
* '''Navigation & Hazards:''' may affect [[Alcubierre Drive|FTL]] travel near the star or present specific environmental hazards (e.g., radiation, flares, extreme gravity near remnants).


[[Category:Galaxy]]
[[Category:Stars]]
[[Category:Galaxy Generation]]

Latest revision as of 13:04, 6 May 2026

This page is a Work in Progress as much of the lore/Development for the game is yet to be established.


Starship Simulator features a diverse range of star types within its procedurally generated Milky Way galaxy, based on the real-world stellar classification system and astrophysical principles. The type of star significantly influences the formation, characteristics, and potential habitability of its surrounding planetary system, as well as how it appears visually and on Sensors. The game generates main sequence stars (O, B, A, F, G, K, M), brown dwarfs (L, T, Y), and stellar remnants (White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, Black Holes). Groundwork for other types like T-Tauri and Wolf-Rayet stars has also been implemented.

Stellar Classification

The game uses the standard OBAFGKM spectral sequence for main-sequence stars, ordered from hottest (O) to coolest (M), along with L, T, and Y classes for brown dwarfs. This sequence primarily indicates the star's surface temperature.

To provide more detail, the full classification adds a number (0-9) and a Roman numeral (I-VII):

  • Number (0-9): This digit subdivides each spectral class, indicating temperature within that class. 0 is the hottest sub-type, and 9 is the coolest. For example, a G0 star is hotter than a G2 star, which is hotter than a G9 star.
  • Roman Numeral (Luminosity Class): This indicates the star's size and evolutionary stage, relating to its intrinsic brightness. Common classes are:
    • V: Main Sequence (Dwarf stars) - Actively fusing hydrogen in their core (e.g., Sol is G2V).
    • IV: Subgiant - Starting to evolve off the main sequence.
    • III: Giant - Evolved, larger stars.
    • II: Bright Giant.
    • I: Supergiant (often subdivided into Ia, Iab, Ib) - Very large, luminous, massive stars.
    • VI / sd: Subdwarf.
    • VII / D: White Dwarf (stellar remnant).

A common mnemonic used to remember the main sequence order (O, B, A, F, G, K, M) is "Oh, Be A Fine Girl/Guy, Kiss Me!". Extensions sometimes include the brown dwarf classes: "...Kiss Me, Lovingly, Today, Yay!".

Development Build 0.225.0.30 introduced support for 80 stellar sub-classes within the game, ranging from O0V (~50,000 K) down to Y9 (~250 K), allowing for these finer distinctions within each major class.

Main Sequence Stars

These are stars in the main phase of their life cycle (Luminosity Class V), actively fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores. They represent the vast majority of stars observed.

O-Type

  • Colour: blue-violet
  • Temperature: > 30,000 K (O0V ~50,000 K)
  • Mass / Luminosity: highest mass (> 16 M☉) and extremely luminous (thousands of times brighter than Sol)
  • Lifespan: very short (millions of years).
  • Commonality: extremely rare (< 0.0001%)
  • Location: found almost exclusively in active star-forming regions (Open Clusters) within the Thin Disc's spiral arms
  • System Notes: intense ultraviolet radiation and powerful stellar winds make close-in habitability virtually impossible. Their short lives often preclude the development of complex life. Systems may have fewer rocky planets due to potentially lower initial metallicity in some formation regions, or planets may be stripped of atmospheres. Often end their lives in supernovae, potentially forming Neutron Stars or Black Holes.

B-Type

  • Colour:blue-white
  • Temperature: 10,000 K - 30,000 K
  • Mass / Luminosity: high mass (2 - 16 M☉) and very luminous
  • Lifespan: short (tens to hundreds of millions of years)
  • Commonality: rare (~0.1%)
  • Location: predominantly found in younger regions of the Thin Disc arms, often associated with O-type stars
  • System Notes: high radiation levels still pose challenges for close-in habitability. Likely to host gas giants and potentially some rocky worlds if metallicity allows. End life as White Dwarfs or potentially via supernova for the most massive examples.

A-Type

  • Colour: white
  • Temperature: 7,500 K - 10,000 K
  • Mass / Luminosity: moderately high mass (~1.4 - 2 M☉), significantly brighter than Sol
  • Lifespan: moderately short (hundreds of millions to ~1 billion years)
  • Commonality: uncommon (~0.6%)
  • Location: common throughout the Thin Disc
  • System Notes: Habitable Zone is wider and further out than Sol's. Planets may form readily, but the star's lifespan is shorter than Sol's, potentially limiting complex life evolution time. End life as White Dwarfs. Sirius is a notable real-world example.

F-Type

  • Colour: yellow-white
  • Temperature: 6,000 K - 7,500 K
  • Mass / Luminosity: slightly more massive than Sol (~1.0 - 1.4 M☉), brighter than Sol
  • Lifespan: long (few billion years)
  • Commonality: common (~3%)
  • Location: abundant throughout the Thin Disc
  • System Notes: considered good candidates for habitable planets, with habitable zones slightly further out than Sol's. Offer a long stable period for potential life development. End life as White Dwarfs. Polaris (the North Star) is an example.

G-Type

  • Colour: yellow
  • Temperature: 5,200 K - 6,000 K
  • Mass / Luminosity: Sol-like mass (~0.8 - 1.0 M☉) and luminosity
  • Lifespan: very long (~10 billion years)
  • Commonality: fairly common (~7.6%)
  • Location: abundant throughout the Thin Disc
  • System Notes: considered prime candidates for Earth-like worlds due to stable energy output and long lifespans. Earth's Sol (G2V) is the benchmark. The Habitable Zone is well-defined. End life as White Dwarfs.

K-Type

  • Colour: orange
  • Temperature: 3,700 K - 5,200 K
  • Mass / Luminosity: less massive than Sol (~0.45 - 0.8 M☉), dimmer than Sol
  • Lifespan: extremely long (tens of billions of years)
  • Commonality: very common (~12%)
  • Location:found throughout the galaxy, including older populations in the Thick Disc and Bulge
  • System Notes: Habitable Zone is closer to the star, increasing the likelihood of planets being tidally locked. Lower UV radiation but potentially higher flare activity compared to G-types. Their extremely long lifespans offer vast timescales for life to potentially develop. End life as White Dwarfs (eventually). Arcturus is an example.

M-Type

  • Colour: red
  • Temperature: < 3,700 K
  • Mass / Luminosity: low mass (~0.08 - 0.45 M☉), very dim
  • Lifespan: exceptionally long (trillions of years)
  • Commonality: most common type of star (~76%)
  • Location: ubiquitous across all galactic regions and populations
  • System Notes: Habitable Zone is very close, making planets highly susceptible to tidal locking and intense stellar flare activity, which may challenge surface habitability despite the star's longevity. Form predominantly rocky planets if metallicity permits. Visibility from the Bridge window was toned down in dev builds for realism. Proxima Centauri is a nearby example. Will eventually become White Dwarfs after potentially trillions of years.

Brown Dwarfs

Sub-stellar objects lacking sufficient mass to ignite sustained hydrogen fusion. They represent a link between the smallest stars and the largest planets. Groundwork added in Build 0.225.0.16, implementation in Build 0.225.0.25.

L-Type

  • Temperature: ~1,300 K - ~2,400 K
  • Characteristics:formed like stars but never achieved stable fusion. Emit primarily in infrared. Hotter than T-types, may show lithium lines in spectra.
  • Notes: very dim visually. Holo display colour clamped in-game (Build 0.225.0.49) and low visibility from bridge (Build 0.225.0.66).

T-Type

  • Temperature: ~700 K - ~1,300 K
  • Characteristics: cooler than L-types, with methane absorption bands prominent in their spectra, distinguishing them from M-type stars. Sometimes described as having a magenta appearance in-game (Build 0.225.0.26).
  • Notes: extremely dim visually, emit mostly infrared. Low visibility and adjusted holo display colour in-game.

Y-Type

  • Temperature: < ~700 K (down to ~250 K for Y9)
  • Characteristics: the coolest category of star-like objects, essentially failed stars or giant planets radiating remnant heat. Water ice clouds may form in their atmospheres.
  • Notes: emit almost entirely in infrared. Very difficult to detect. Low visibility and adjusted holo display colour in-game.

Stellar Remnants

The compact objects left behind after stars exhaust their nuclear fuel and cease fusion.

White Dwarf

  • Luminosity Class: VII or D
  • Characteristics: the dense (~Earth-sized, ~0.6 Solar mass) remnant core of a low-to-medium mass star (like types A through M). Extremely hot initially, but cools slowly over billions of years as it radiates stored thermal energy. Composed mostly of carbon and oxygen.
  • Notes: data for millions of real white dwarfs included in the game's stellar database (Build 0.225.0.27)

Neutron Star

  • Characteristics: an incredibly dense object (~city-sized, ~1.4-2 Solar masses) composed almost entirely of neutrons, supported by neutron degeneracy pressure. Formed during the supernova of a massive star not quite massive enough to become a black hole. Often possess extremely strong magnetic fields and rapid rotation (pulsars).
  • Notes: groundwork for implementation added (Build 0.225.0.16)

Black Hole

  • Characteristics: an object with gravity so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape from within its event horizon. Formed from the collapse of the most massive stars or through galactic center processes (Sagittarius A*). Defined by mass, spin, and charge.
  • Notes: groundwork added (Build 0.225.0.16). Specific behaviour refined in-game including mass ranges, radii, and surrounding planets (tend to be icy due to immense Roche limits) (Build 0.225.0.31). Holo display rendering fixed (Build 0.225.0.44).

Other Types

Groundwork has been laid for additional stellar or sub-stellar objects, indicating they are planned features:

  • T-Tauri Stars: pre-main-sequence stars, representing a very early stage in stellar evolution before stable hydrogen fusion begins. Often variable and associated with strong stellar winds and accretion disks.
  • Wolf-Rayet Stars: very massive, hot stars nearing the end of their lives, characterized by powerful stellar winds that strip away their outer hydrogen layers, revealing helium and heavier elements. Precursors to some types of supernovae.
  • Rogue Planets: planetary-mass objects that have been ejected from their original star systems and drift freely through interstellar space

In-Game Significance

A star's type directly impacts multiple aspects of gameplay and exploration:

  • Visuals & Sensors: determines the star's appearance, colour, and spectral signature, affecting visual identification and Sensors readings (including UI colour coding and spectral analysis graphics). The full classification (e.g., G2V) provides more detailed information.
  • System Environment: dictates the Habitable Zone location, radiation levels, and overall energy environment of a star system
  • Planet Formation: influences the types and composition (metallicity) of planets likely to be found orbiting the star
  • Life Potential: star type, age, and stability are key factors in the procedural generation of life and civilizations
  • Navigation & Hazards: may affect FTL travel near the star or present specific environmental hazards (e.g., radiation, flares, extreme gravity near remnants).