Space Cafe Tokyo, Oct 2026 "Brown Dwarfs"

About this event

"Brown Dwarfs: Caught Between Planets and Stars" Brown dwarfs are roughly the size of Jupiter but dozens of times more massive. Too small to sustain the hydrogen fusion that powers stars, they gradually cool and fade over time. But how do they form? And what truly distinguishes a brown dwarf from a giant planet? Dr. Ján Šubjak (Czech Academy of Sciences) will guide us through the history of brown dwarf research, from their theoretical prediction to the discoveries that reveal their remarkable diversity. Along the way, we’ll explore how astronomers detect and weigh brown dwarfs, how they form and evolve, and why so few are found in the mysterious “brown dwarf desert” near other stars. Speaker info: Ján Šubjak is a researcher at the Czech Academy of Sciences\, currently on a research visit to the University of Tokyo\. He carried out his PhD research at Charles University and the European Southern Observatory \(ESO\)\, followed by a postdoctoral position at the Center for Astrophysics \| Harvard & Smithsonian\. His work focuses on discovering and characterizing worlds around other stars\, particularly unusual systems that challenge our understanding of how planets and brown dwarfs form and evolve\. Outside of research\, he enjoys traveling\, hiking\, playing football\, and chess\. \-\-\- We will be at Good Heavens British Bar in Shimokitazawa for a space-themed talk + drinks. Doors open at 7:30pm \| Speaker starts at 8pm Tickets can be purchased at the door for ¥1500 (in cash) and cover your first drink.