LHR 6980
View of the brown dwarf LHR 6980 orbiting near its host star TOI-2957 a. | |
| Object type | Brown dwarf |
|---|---|
Observation data (Epoch required) | |
| Constellation | Pisces |
Right ascension | 23h 48m 00s |
| Declination | −02° 45′ 00″ |
In visual light (V) | |
Apparent magnitude | 14.6 |
LHR 6980 (or TOI-2957 b) is a sub-stellar brown dwarf object located in the constellation of Pisces. Discovered via digital sky tracking in 2026, it represents a unique ultra-cool astronomical object.
Characteristics
LHR 6980 is classified as an L-type brown dwarf, often nicknamed a "failed star" because it lacks the necessary mass to sustain stable hydrogen fusion in its core, like a normal main sequence star. Instead, it slowly radiates residual heat from its formation, giving it a characteristic dark red or brown hue.
The object has an estimated mass between 13 and 80 times that of Jupiter, placing it right on the boundary between a heavy gas giant planet and a low-mass red dwarf star.
Observational History
The object was first documented following neighborhood night sky observations utilizing automated mobile tracking systems. Because it is highly faint, it requires near-infrared imaging instruments to resolve clearly from background galactic glare.
See also
- List of brown dwarfs
- Sub-brown dwarf
- Exoplanet