Properties
The spectrum of this star indicates it a M2.5 V star, which places it among a populous group of low-mass stars known as red dwarfs. The luminosity class of 'V' indicates it is a main sequence star that is generating energy by the nuclear fusion of hydrogen at its core region. Stellar models for this star give an estimated size of about 42% of the Sun's radius. The same model predicts the outer atmosphere has a low effective temperature of 3,318 K, giving it the orange-red hue of an M-type star. Small stars such as this generate energy at a low rate, giving it only 2.5% of the Sun's luminosity.
Gl 436 is older than the Sun by several billion years and it has an abundance of heavy elements (with masses greater than helium-4) equal to 48% of the Sun's. The projected rotation velocity is 1.0 km/s, and the chromosphere has a low level of magnetic activity. This star is a member of the "old-disk population" with velocity components in the galactic coordinate system of U=+44, V=−20 and W=+20 km/s.
Read more about this topic: Gliese 436
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