Astronomers map cloud patterns on brown dwarf
Posted: Thu, Jan 30, 2014, 7:27 AM ET (1227 GMT)
European astronomers have, for the first time, mapped the cloud patterns on a nearby brown dwarf. Astronomers used the European Souther Observatory's Very Large Telescope to observe Luhman 16B, one of a pair of brown dwarfs discovered last year only six light-years from Earth. Researchers used those observations to create a map of light and dark regions on the object that they believe correspond to cloud patterns. Brown dwarfs are objects larger than planets but too small to sustain nuclear fusion and be a star, instead glowing faintly at infrared wavelengths. Astronomers believe studies of these brown dwarfs will help them better understand "hot Jupiter" exoplanets that orbit close to their stars.
European astronomers have, for the first time, mapped the cloud patterns on a nearby brown dwarf. Astronomers used the European Souther Observatory's Very Large Telescope to observe Luhman 16B, one of a pair of brown dwarfs discovered last year only six light-years from Earth. Researchers used those observations to create a map of light and dark regions on the object that they believe correspond to cloud patterns. Brown dwarfs are objects larger than planets but too small to sustain nuclear fusion and be a star, instead glowing faintly at infrared wavelengths. Astronomers believe studies of these brown dwarfs will help them better understand "hot Jupiter" exoplanets that orbit close to their stars.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Starship explodes during preparations for static-fire test
Posted: Sun, Jun 22 6:52 AM ET (1052 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Friday, July 11
Space Force developing new cloud-based digital environment for training
Defensescoop — 8:08 am ET (1208 GMT) The battle over Colorado’s Space Command isn’t over, but it may be ending soon
Washington Examiner — 8:08 am ET (1208 GMT) Rocket Lab Selects Bollinger Shipyards to Support Modification of Neutron Landing Platform
Business Wire — 8:07 am ET (1207 GMT) Elon Musk's SpaceX set to launch Israel's Dror satellite
Globes Online — 8:04 am ET (1204 GMT) South Korea secures key step toward space partnership with Europe
Chosun Ilbo — 8:03 am ET (1203 GMT) |
