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Paper: Connecting the Dots: Low-Mass Stars, Brown Dwarfs, and Planets
Volume: 393, New Horizons in Astronomy: Frank N. Bash Symposium 2007
Page: 51
Authors: Cruz, K.
Abstract: The lowest mass object that Mother Nature makes through the process of “star formation” is currently unknown. While numerous very low-mass stars, brown dwarfs, and planets have been found, their relation to each other remains unclear. Here I describe how the study of brown dwarfs has the potential to help us understand both star and planet formation mechanisms. I describe the physical traits attributed to stars, brown dwarfs, and planets; compare the mass functions of brown dwarfs and planets; and discuss how studies of brown dwarfs in both young clusters and in the field can be used to challenge and constrain star and planet formation theories.
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