The color of a star, including those that appear orange to the naked eye, is primarily determined by its temperature and the elements present in its atmosphere. Stars emit light across a range of wavelengths, and their perceived color is a result of the wavelengths they emit most prominently. Cooler stars, such as red giants like Betelgeuse, emit more light at longer, redder wavelengths, which is why they often appear orange or red. These stars typically have surface temperatures ranging from about 2,500 to 3,500 Kelvin.
In addition to temperature, the presence of specific elements can influence a star’s color. Stars with certain compositions may absorb or emit light at specific wavelengths, further altering their apparent color. Interstellar dust can also play a role by scattering shorter blue wavelengths, which can enhance the reddish or orangish hue of a star when observed from Earth. Overall, these variations in star color provide important clues about their composition, evolution, and the surrounding interstellar environment.