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Brown Dwarfs: The Unfortunate “Failed Stars”
Brown dwarfs, often referred to as “failed stars,” are celestial objects that form from dense patches in molecular clouds collapsing. Unlike typical stars, brown dwarfs lack the mass required to initiate hydrogen to helium fusion in their core, leading to their failed star status.
The Mystery of Brown Dwarf Binaries
While stars are frequently born in binary pairs, there is a significant gap in the discovery of brown dwarf binaries. Research utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope suggests that as brown dwarfs age, they are less likely to have companions, hinting at a gradual drift apart of these binary pairs over time.
Gravity and Passing Stars
The weak gravitational binding between binary brown dwarfs could be disrupted by the stronger gravitational pull of passing stars. Observations indicate that widely separated companions are uncommon among older brown dwarfs, potentially due to this gravitational interaction.
Study Methodology
A research team led by Clémence Fontanive from the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets utilized the Hubble telescope to identify the coldest and lowest mass brown dwarfs in proximity to the solar system. By studying the water content in their atmospheres, the team was able to detect binary pairs among these failed stars.
Staying Single for Life
Contrary to traditional stars, which often have companions, brown dwarfs are more likely to remain solitary after an initial period of companionship in their early stages. The study provides observational evidence that brown dwarf binaries gradually drift apart over time, highlighting the challenges of maintaining gravitational binding in these systems.
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