Star found with surface temperature of just 97°C

Posted on Thursday, March 24 2011 @ 2:56 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Astronomers have observed CFBDSIR 1458 10b, a brown dwarf with a surface temperature of 97°C, making it the coolest star seen to date.
Dubbed CFBDSIR 1458 10b, the star is what's called a brown dwarf. These oddball objects are often called failed stars, because they have starlike heat and chemical properties but don't have enough mass for the crush of gravity to ignite nuclear fusion at their cores.

With surface temperatures hovering around 206 degrees F (97 degrees C), the newfound star is the coldest brown dwarf seen to date. (Related: "Dimmest Stars in Universe Spotted?")

"Over the years there has been steady but slow progress in pushing the boundaries of finding the coldest stars," said study leader Michael Liu, an astronomer at the University of Hawaii.
The previous record holder has a surface temperature of 150°C, but CFBDSIR 1458 10b may not hold its coldest star title for long as scientists are working to confirm an even cooler brown dwarf with possible surface temperatures of only 86°C.

Source: National Geographic


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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