Context:

Astronomers have discovered a rare quadruple star system named UPM J1040−3551 AabBab — the first known case where two brown dwarfs orbit around two red dwarfs.

What is UPM J1040−3551 AabBab?

• A 4-star system in the Milky Way consisting of:
  • 2 red dwarfs: small, long-living stars.
  • 2 brown dwarfs: sub-stellar objects, often called “failed stars” as they can’t sustain hydrogen fusion.

Key Features:

• Brown dwarfs are Jupiter-sized but much heavier and extremely faint.
• Red dwarfs are bright enough to allow detailed study — helping estimate properties of the brown dwarfs.
• Such systems are very rare; brown dwarfs having companions is statistically less than 5%.

Scientific Significance:

• First-of-its-kind configuration: enhances understanding of star system diversity.
• Provides insights into formation of stars and sub-stellar objects.
• Acts as a natural lab — since all four objects likely formed together, their age, temperature, and composition can be accurately compared.
• Contributes to studies on mass distribution in the universe, supporting research in fields like dark matter.

Source: Indian Express