Why in the News?

Scientists have identified UPM J1040−3551 AabBab, a rare quadruple star system with two brown dwarfs orbiting two red dwarfs.

Discovery of Rare Quadruple Star System with Brown Dwarfs

About UPM J1040−3551 AabBab:

Overview: Newly discovered quadruple star system in the Milky Way.
Composition: Two cold T-type brown dwarfs orbiting a pair of young red dwarf stars.
Uniqueness: First known system of its kind; extremely rare as brown dwarfs usually exist alone, with less than 5% chance of companions.
Significance: Offers new insights into the formation and evolution of low-mass stars and sub-stellar objects.

Overview: Celestial objects between stars and planets in characteristics.
Formation: Form like stars from collapsing gas and dust but lack sufficient mass for sustained hydrogen fusion.
Nickname: Often called “failed stars” due to absence of sustained nuclear fusion.
Mass Range: Can reach up to about 70 times the mass of Jupiter.
Atmosphere: Similar to gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, with molecules and water vapor clouds.
Detection: Very faint and cold; usually identified in multiple-star systems where brighter stars help estimate their properties.
Astronomical Importance: Help define the boundary between stars and planets; provide clues to conditions necessary for stellar and planetary formation.
Cosmological Role: Studying their abundance and distribution aids in understanding mass distribution in the universe and connections to dark matter.

[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars.

Statement-II: Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct*