Published , Modified Abstract on Ultracool Dwarf Binary Stars Break Records Original source
Ultracool Dwarf Binary Stars Break Records
The universe is full of surprises, and the latest discovery by astronomers has broken records. Ultracool dwarf binary stars, which are the smallest and coolest stars in the universe, have been found to be much closer to each other than previously thought possible. This discovery has opened up new avenues for research into the formation and evolution of these stars.
What are Ultracool Dwarf Binary Stars?
Ultracool dwarf binary stars are a type of star that is much smaller and cooler than our sun. They are also much more common, making up around 15% of all stars in our galaxy. These stars have a mass that is less than 0.08 times that of our sun, and a surface temperature that is less than 2,700 Kelvin.
The Discovery
A team of astronomers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) used the Keck Observatory in Hawaii to study a pair of ultracool dwarf binary stars known as LHS 3844 AB. They found that these two stars were only 0.6 astronomical units (AU) apart, which is closer than any other known pair of ultracool dwarf binary stars.
This discovery was made possible by using a technique called astrometry, which measures the positions and movements of celestial objects. The team used this technique to track the movements of LHS 3844 AB over a period of several years.
Implications for Research
This discovery has important implications for research into the formation and evolution of ultracool dwarf binary stars. It suggests that these stars may form in a different way than previously thought, and that they may evolve differently as well.
One possibility is that ultracool dwarf binary stars form from the fragmentation of larger clouds of gas and dust, rather than from the collapse of individual protostars. This would explain why they are so close together, as they would have formed from the same cloud.
Another possibility is that ultracool dwarf binary stars may merge together over time, creating larger and more massive stars. This would explain why some ultracool dwarf binary stars are found to be much larger than others.
Conclusion
The discovery of ultracool dwarf binary stars that are closer together than previously thought possible has opened up new avenues for research into the formation and evolution of these stars. It suggests that these stars may form and evolve in different ways than previously thought, and that there is still much to learn about them.
FAQs
Q: What is an ultracool dwarf binary star?
A: An ultracool dwarf binary star is a type of star that is much smaller and cooler than our sun. They are also much more common, making up around 15% of all stars in our galaxy.
Q: How was this discovery made?
A: The discovery was made using a technique called astrometry, which measures the positions and movements of celestial objects. The team used this technique to track the movements of LHS 3844 AB over a period of several years.
Q: What are the implications of this discovery?
A: This discovery has important implications for research into the formation and evolution of ultracool dwarf binary stars. It suggests that these stars may form and evolve in different ways than previously thought, and that there is still much to learn about them.
Q: Why are ultracool dwarf binary stars important?
A: Ultracool dwarf binary stars are important because they are much more common than other types of stars, and they may hold clues to the formation and evolution of our galaxy.
Q: What is astrometry?
A: Astrometry is a technique used by astronomers to measure the positions and movements of celestial objects. It involves tracking the movements of these objects over a period of time to determine their position and velocity.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.