Stellar physics
The Initial Mass Function
The distribution of masses with which stars are born. Nature makes far more low-mass stars than high-mass ones — a steep decline first quantified by Salpeter — so faint red dwarfs vastly outnumber brilliant massive stars. The initial mass function shapes how galaxies light up, enrich, and evolve.
Stars, stages & concepts
Across stellar astrophysics
Knowledge connections
- Associated withStar Formation
- Associated withStar Formation
- Associated withStellar Populations & Clusters
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- ESOEuropean Southern Observatory
Southern-hemisphere observatory data and imagery (VLT, ALMA partner).