Astronomy

Between a planet and a star

Increase the mass while keeping a Jupiter-sized object in view. Compare cooling brown dwarfs with objects capable of sustained hydrogen fusion.

By Mykhailo Makarov

Actual application image

The model and its limits

Approximate cooling-law and radius scalings, with a heuristic metallicity-dependent hydrogen-burning threshold. The threshold is not a sharp universal boundary; plotted temperatures are bolometric effective temperatures. Infrared heat is shown in false colour.

Equations used in the module

Equations
L ∝ M^2.64 t^(−1.3) (substellar approximation); L = 4πR²σT_eff⁴.

Related experiments

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$A fracture in a magnetar's magnetic field — Actual application image$

Astronomy

A fracture in a magnetar's magnetic field

Release a fraction of an immense magnetic-energy reservoir. Follow the initial spike and the fading tail, modulated by the star's rotation.

Astronomy

A sunset bent by the air

Lower the Sun toward the horizon. Compare its geometric and refracted positions, flattening and the effect of atmospheric turbulence.

Astronomy

Unpacking starlight with a grating

Send light through a slit and diffraction grating onto a detector. Change groove density, illuminated width and radial velocity to separate resolution from Doppler shift.