Astronomers find a record-breaking pair of orbiting brown dwarfs

Astronomers have discovered a fascinating system called ZTF J1239+8347, located 1,000 light-years away.

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This binary system consists of two brown dwarfs, often called "failed stars" because they lack the mass for hydrogen fusion.

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The entire pair is so compact it could fit between the Earth and the Moon.

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This discovery is groundbreaking because it suggests that brown dwarfs might not always be "failed."

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While systems like CWISE J014611.20-050850.0AB show how far apart brown dwarfs can be, ZTF J1239+8347 proves how intimate their relationships can become.

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Comprehension Questions

What is unique about the orbital period of ZTF J1239+8347?

It holds the record for the shortest orbital period for a detached brown dwarf binary at 57.41 minutes.

It is the longest orbital period ever observed for a binary star system.

It rotates randomly, making it impossible to calculate a precise period.

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Correct Choice

It holds the record for the shortest orbital period for a detached brown dwarf binary at 57.41 minutes.

Why are brown dwarfs often described as 'failed stars'?

They are composed entirely of gas and have no solid surface.

They have drifted away from their original solar systems.

They lack the mass required to sustain hydrogen fusion.

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Correct Choice

They lack the mass required to sustain hydrogen fusion.

What behavior describes the 'vampire' interaction in this system?

The denser brown dwarf is siphoning gas from its companion.

The smaller star is consuming the light of the larger star.

The two stars are moving away from each other at high speeds.

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Correct Choice

The denser brown dwarf is siphoning gas from its companion.

What might happen to the primary brown dwarf in the future?

It may gain enough mass to trigger hydrogen fusion and become a star.

It will eventually freeze and vanish from existence.

It will transform into a black hole.

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Correct Choice

It may gain enough mass to trigger hydrogen fusion and become a star.

How did researchers identify this specific system?

By analyzing radio waves transmitted from the surface of the dwarfs.

By using a telescope on the Moon to get a clearer view.

Through the system's brightness fluctuations detected by the Zwicky Transient Facility.

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Correct Choice

Through the system's brightness fluctuations detected by the Zwicky Transient Facility.

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