K-type Main-sequence Star

A K-type main-sequence star (K V), also referred to as an orange dwarf or K dwarf, is a main-sequence (hydrogen-burning) star of spectral type K and luminosity class V. These stars are intermediate in size between red M-type main-sequence stars and yellow G-type main-sequence stars. They have masses of from 0.6 to 0.9 times the mass of the Sun and surface temperatures between 3,900 and 5,200 K., Tables VII, VIII. Better known examples include Alpha Centauri B (K1 V) and Epsilon Indi. These stars are of particular interest in the search for extraterrestrial life because they are stable on the main sequence for a very long time (15 to 30 billion years, compared to 10 billion for the Sun). This may create an opportunity for life to evolve on terrestrial planets orbiting such stars. Orange dwarfs are about three to four times as abundant as sun-like stars, making planet searches easier.