The Smallest Star in the Universe

Phil Plait discusses the discovery of the smallest star, 2MASS J0523-1403, by Georgia State University astronomers. This star is about 8,000 times dimmer and 8.6% as wide as the sun, fitting inside Jupiter. The video explains the challenges in distinguishing small stars from Brown dwarfs, which are failed stars unable to sustain nuclear fusion. The mass and temperature of these objects are key factors in their classification. The discovery of this star helps refine the criteria for differentiating stars from Brown dwarfs, with implications for understanding stellar evolution.

What is the name of the smallest star discovered by Georgia State University astronomers?

• Proxima Centauri

• Betelgeuse

• Alpha Centauri

• 2MASS J0523-1403

What is the primary factor that determines whether an object is a star or a Brown dwarf?

• Mass

• Brightness

• Distance from Earth

• Color

Why are Brown dwarfs considered 'failed stars'?

• They are too far from Earth to be observed.

• They have irregular orbits.

• They lack the mass to sustain nuclear fusion.

• They are too bright to be classified as stars.

What is a key method used by scientists to differentiate between a cool old star and a warm young Brown dwarf?

• Observing their gravitational interactions

• Comparing their surface temperatures

• Measuring their distance from the sun

• Analyzing their color spectrum

What is the estimated mass threshold that distinguishes a small star from a Brown dwarf?

• 6% to 8% the mass of the sun

• 3% to 5% the mass of the sun

• 10% to 12% the mass of the sun

• 9% to 11% the mass of the sun