More recently, Disk Detective’s efforts resulted in a discovery announced on June 2 at the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) 236th meeting, which was held virtually. With the help of citizen scientists, astronomers identified the closest young brown dwarf disk yet, one that may have the capability to form planets. This 3.7-million-year-old brown dwarf, called W1200-7845, is about 333 light-years away. A light-year is the distance light travels in one year; the closest star beyond the Sun is over 4 light-years away.



Source link