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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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