An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The value of the exponent in the → initial mass function as
derived by Salpeter (1955) for solar to → intermediate mass stars in the Solar neighborhood: &Gamma = 1.35 or &alpha = 2.35,
or x = -1.35. Also known as Sapleter index.

See also: → Salpeter function; → slope.