Local News
Brown Dwarfs Observed Transferring Mass, Defying Expectations of Stellar Evolution
Astronomers have observed a pair of brown dwarfs transferring mass between each other, which is a phenomenon previously unseen in these substellar objects. This discovery challenges existing models of stellar evolution and mass transfer in binary systems.
Brown dwarfs occupy a unique category between gas giant planets and small stars. Unlike main sequence stars, brown dwarfs lack the mass needed to sustain hydrogen fusion, instead producing light and heat through deuterium fusion. In binary star systems, mass transfer is known to occur, sometimes leading to dramatic events such as a supernova when a white dwarf pulls matter from a companion star. The observation of mass transfer between two brown dwarfs is unprecedented. This discovery provides new insights into the behaviour and evolution of these 'failed stars'.
Key Facts
- A pair of brown dwarfs has been observed transferring mass.
- Brown dwarfs are substellar objects, more massive than gas giants but not massive enough to sustain hydrogen fusion.
- Brown dwarfs emit light and heat through deuterium fusion.
- Mass transfer is known to occur in binary star systems, sometimes causing a supernova.
- This is the first time astronomers have observed mass transfer between brown dwarfs.
- The discovery challenges existing models of stellar evolution.
- The finding offers new insights into the behaviour of 'failed stars'.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Universe Today — This Pair Of Brown Dwarfs Can't Get Enough Of Each Other