The Masses of Nearby Dwarfs can be Determined with Gravitational Microlensing

TL;DR

This paper proposes using gravitational microlensing caused by nearby high proper motion stars to accurately measure the masses of single low-mass stars and brown dwarfs in the Milky Way.

Contribution

It introduces a method leveraging microlensing to determine masses of nearby low-mass objects, providing a direct measurement technique.

Findings

Microlensing can be used to measure masses of individual low-mass stars.

The method offers a precise alternative to traditional mass estimation techniques.

Potential for improved understanding of the mass distribution of nearby dwarfs.

Abstract

Microlensing of distant stars in the Milky Way by the nearby high proper motion stars offers a direct way to precisely measure the masses of single lower main sequence stars and brown dwarfs.