Probability of Undetected Brown Dwarfs Near Sun
Published:Dec 30, 2025 16:17
•1 min read
•ArXiv
Analysis
This paper investigates the likelihood of undetected brown dwarfs existing in the solar vicinity. It uses observational data and statistical analysis to estimate the probability of finding such an object within a certain distance from the Sun. The study's significance lies in its potential to revise our understanding of the local stellar population and the prevalence of brown dwarfs, which are difficult to detect due to their faintness. The paper also discusses the reasons for non-detection and the possibility of multiple brown dwarfs.
Key Takeaways
- •The paper estimates a significant probability (around 50%) of an undetected brown dwarf within 1.2 parsecs of the Sun.
- •The study highlights the challenges in detecting brown dwarfs due to their faintness.
- •The research contributes to our understanding of the local stellar population and the distribution of brown dwarfs.
Reference
“With a probability of about 0.5, there exists a brown dwarf in the immediate solar vicinity (< 1.2 pc).”