HR diagram
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Astronomy & Space
| Stands for | Hertzsprung-Russell diagram |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
HR diagram stands for Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, an astronomy & Space abbreviation.
Scatter plot of stars by luminosity against surface temperature or color, the most important chart in stellar astronomy. Most stars fall on a diagonal band called the main sequence, while giants, supergiants and white dwarfs occupy distinct regions that trace stages of stellar evolution.
Example: On the HR diagram, the Sun sits in the middle of the main sequence as a G-type star.
Usage notes
Danish astronomer Ejnar Hertzsprung and American Henry Norris Russell developed the diagram independently around 1911-1913. Temperature is plotted decreasing to the right, a historical convention that confuses many students. Also written H-R diagram or HRD.
Related abbreviations
More astronomy & Space abbreviations
- FRB – Fast radio burst
- GEO – Geostationary orbit
- GRB – Gamma-ray burst
- GTO – Geosynchronous transfer orbit
- H0 – Hubble constant
- HEO – Highly elliptical orbit
- HST – Hubble Space Telescope
- HZ – Habitable zone
- IAU – International Astronomical Union
- ISRO – Indian Space Research Organisation
- ISS – International Space Station
- JAXA – Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency