Brown dwarfs and planets.
Abstract
The connection between brown-dwarfs and planets and the definition of giant planets themselves have been a matter of debate for more than a decade now. We summarize our current understanding of their respective formation mechanisms and associated physical properties. We then address the question of planetary formation around brown-dwarfs. Signs of disk evolution (accretion, outflows, grain growth) for young brown-dwarfs suggest that planetary formation may be on-going in the substellar regime. In this context, we report recent results of surveys targeting brown-dwarfs and very low mass stars to search for planetary mass companions and ultimately planets, using various observing techniques (imaging, radial velocity, microlensing, and astrometry). We also highlight the technical and observational challenges of observing such faint targets. Finally, we conclude with the perspectives offered by the new generation of telescopes and instruments in the coming years.
- Publication:
-
Memorie della Societa Astronomica Italiana
- Pub Date:
- 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013MmSAI..84..992B
- Keywords:
-
- Brown-dwarfs;
- Planets: formation;
- detection;
- characterization.