Smallest Star - Blog Posts

What the James Webb Telescope May Uncover about EBLM J0555-57Ab, the Smallest Star

EBLM J0555–57Ab, a diminutive red dwarf nestled within a triple star system, approximately 640 light-years away from Earth, vies with its stellar counterpart, 2MASS J0523–1403, for the title of the smallest star in existence. Image credit: Sarah Collins, Cambridge University

EBLM J0555-57Ab presents a unique opportunity for astronomers to study the earliest stages of stellar formation. Due to its diminutive size, this star is likely to be at an early phase in its evolution, possibly still in the protostellar stage. The James Webb Telescope's exceptional sensitivity and infrared capabilities will enable astronomers to observe the star with unprecedented precision. By scrutinizing the gas and dust surrounding EBLM J0555-57Ab, scientists hope to unravel the mechanisms behind star birth and the intricate interplay between nascent stars and their surrounding environment. Read full article here