If Jupiter became a star..?

[Cyberus]

Jupiter is a failed star because it wasn't massive enough - hence why it is known as a 'brown dwarf'

edit: This time I've read some of the other replies
@Whabang - I'm pretty sure Jupiter is a brown dwarf actually.

Shame I threw away most of my Astrophsics notes from my Astro degree, as I'd be able to look at this in more detail.
My vague recollection, however, is that stars are on what is known as the 'main sequence' of the HR (Hertzprung-Russell) diagram, which can be plotted as luminosity against temperature.

[Cyberus]

I'm sure it is a brown dwarf dammit - I studied Astrophysics at university for three years I should know!



I should know...:roll:
:lol:


edit:
It seems some astronomers think Jupiter displays many brown dwarf characterisitics, such as 'weather' but is maybe not dense enough to be a brown dwarf, and doesn't radiate energy - interestingly brown dwarfs initially radiate 'light' as a result of 'burning' - De -> He, and then later as a result of the release of Gr energy as they contract.

See, I told you, I should know....
In future I'll rely on google and not on my education...:-D

[Cyberus]

OT:

@ Whabang
Did someone put something sharp on your chair? :-P