What does M_⊙ notation mean in physics?

[FeDeX_LaTeX]

Hi, what does this notation mean?

$$M_\odot$$

Does it mean mass?

Thanks

 

[torquil]

Hi, what does this notation mean?

$$M_\odot$$

Does it mean mass?

Thanks

It is the symbol for the solar mass, which is around 2x10^30 kg.

Ref:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_mass

Torquil