How does the Sun's mass compare to other stars?

The Sun's mass is average compared to other stars, with many stars being both significantly larger and smaller.

The Sun, which is classified as a G-type main-sequence star (or G dwarf star), has a mass of approximately 1.989 x 10^30 kilograms. This makes it a middle-sized star, with many stars in the universe being both larger and smaller. The Sun's mass is about 330,000 times that of Earth, and it contains 99.86% of the mass in our Solar System.

Stars are categorised into different types based on their mass and size, among other factors. The smallest stars, known as red dwarfs, have as little as 0.075 solar masses, while the largest stars, known as hypergiants, can have over 100 solar masses. Therefore, compared to these extremes, the Sun's mass is quite average.

However, it's important to note that the Sun is significantly larger than the majority of stars in the Milky Way. This is because most stars in our galaxy are red dwarfs, which are much smaller and less massive than the Sun. So, while the Sun's mass is average when considering the full range of star sizes, it is larger than most individual stars.

The mass of a star is a crucial factor in determining its lifespan, brightness, and eventual fate. Stars with a mass similar to the Sun will eventually become red giants and then white dwarfs. Larger stars, on the other hand, will end their lives in spectacular supernova explosions, leaving behind neutron stars or black holes. Therefore, the Sun's mass not only places it in the middle of the star size spectrum, but also determines its life cycle and future evolution.