BROWN DWARF Meaning and
Definition
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A brown dwarf, also known as a failed star, is a celestial object that is relatively small and dim, falling between the size of a planet and a typical star. It is defined by its inability to sustain nuclear fusion, which is the process responsible for the release of energy in stars. With a mass ranging from 13 to 80 times that of Jupiter, brown dwarfs are relatively massive compared to planets but fall short of reaching the critical mass required to trigger fusion.
Characterized by their brown or reddish appearance, brown dwarfs emit a faint glow, primarily due to the residual heat generated during their formation. They are composed mainly of molecular hydrogen and helium, similar to stars, but lack the necessary pressure and temperature to sustain the chain reactions occurring in stellar cores. As a result, brown dwarfs are unable to produce significant amounts of heat and light, leading to their low luminosity.
Although they share some similarities with both planets and stars, brown dwarfs occupy a unique category in astronomical classification. They have been found to have a diverse range of atmospheric compositions and weather patterns, with some displaying cloud layers and turbulent storms. These celestial objects are of particular interest to astronomers as they provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems.
Common Misspellings for BROWN DWARF
- vrown dwarf
- nrown dwarf
- hrown dwarf
- grown dwarf
- beown dwarf
- bdown dwarf
- bfown dwarf
- btown dwarf
- b5own dwarf
- b4own dwarf
- briwn dwarf
- brkwn dwarf
- brlwn dwarf
- brpwn dwarf
- br0wn dwarf
- br9wn dwarf
- broqn dwarf
- broan dwarf
- brosn dwarf
- broen dwarf
Etymology of BROWN DWARF
The term "brown dwarf" consists of two parts: "brown" and "dwarf".
The term "brown" comes from the Old English word "brún", which ultimately has Germanic origins. It describes the color that falls between orange and black, resembling the appearance of many objects in nature, such as soil, trees, and the bark of certain trees.
The term "dwarf" is derived from the Old English word "dweorg", which means a person of abnormally small stature. It is also related to the Old High German word "twerg" and Old Norse word "dvergr". The usage of "dwarf" in astronomy refers to objects that are smaller than typical stars.
Therefore, the term "brown dwarf" refers to celestial objects that are smaller than stars and have a color resembling brown. These objects were named so due to their size and spectral characteristics.
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