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Brown Dwarf

A “failed” star, which is more massive than a planet but not massive enough to ignite nuclear fusion reactions at its core and shine as a true star.

Resources

The diagram shows the largest and smallest stars to scale.

Colorful Dwarfs May 21, 2010

Featured Images

artist's concept of a system with a white dwarf and a brown dwarf

Hot and Cold August 22, 2020
Nova Vulpecula

Deadly Hourglass June 20, 2020

Hot Weather July 20, 2017
Hubble Space Telescope view of the Gliese 229 system

Faint Neighbors February 7, 2016
Artist's concept of Scholz's Star passing close to the solar system

Former Neighbor May 7, 2015
Artist's concept of weather on a brown dwarf

Hot Rain January 8, 2014
Artist's concept of a dark storm on the brown dwarf 2MASS 2139

Stormy Skies January 11, 2012

Radio Programs

Definitions Brown dwarfs versus giant planets June 30, 2020

Future Cannibal A future act of stellar cannibalism May 6, 2018

Hot Weather Hot weather on failed stars July 20, 2017

Moon and Jupiter Primetime on the really big screen June 30, 2017

Lepus Chasing down a celestial rabbit January 28, 2017

Faint Neighbors Two close but faint neighbors February 7, 2016