Brown Dwarfs from the Stellar Perspective

Abstract

In this paper, we review the current theory of very low mass stars model atmospheres including the coolest known M~dwarfs, M~subdwarfs, and brown dwarfs, i.e. T$_{eff} \leq 5,000 $K and $-2.0 \le [M/H] \le +0.0$. We discuss ongoing efforts to incorporate molecular and grain opacities in cool stellar spectra, as well as the latest progress in deriving the effective temperature scale of M~dwarfs. We also present the latest results of the models related to the search for brown dwarfs.

Proceedings "Brown Dwarf and Extrasolar Planets" meeting held in Tenerife March 17-21, 1997; 11 pages, figures not included, full version available at ftp://calvin.physast.uga.edu/pub/preprints/Tenerife.ps.gz