[extropy-chat] Massive Object Calls Planet Discoveries into Question

[Mike Lorrey]

--- Technotranscendence <neptune at superlink.net> wrote:

> http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/heavy_objects_050119.html
> 
> But there's always been an assumed error in the estimates of
> exoplanets
> via the "wiggle" technique used.  This is because the plane of the
> exoplanet's orbit is unknown and estimates of the mass are based on
> assumptions able the angle of that orbit.  This establishes, IIRC,
> lower limits on the mass, but not upper limits.

What is more interesting about this story is that it says that the
brown dwarf they are examining is between 88-98 Jupiter masses, yet the
smallest stars we know of are estimated at 75 jupiter masses. By all
accounts this object should be blazing away like a red dwarf star.
Given that this object is much cooler than it should be for the new
mass range, should we honestly look at this object as difinitive
evidence of a Matrioshka Brain or some sort of Dyson Sphere?

=====
Mike Lorrey
Vice-Chair, 2nd District, Libertarian Party of NH
"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom.
It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves."
                                      -William Pitt (1759-1806) 
Blog: http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=Sadomikeyism


		
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