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
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Friday, September 18
ESA Picks Iceye-Led Group for Earth Observation Satellite Study
Bloomberg News — 1:34 am ET (0534 GMT) ESA Picks Leonardo, Iceye Teams For Earth Observation Studies
Aviation Week — 1:34 am ET (0534 GMT) SPACECOM Boss Wants Better Domain Awareness to Target Threats on Orbit
Air and Space Forces Magazine — 1:32 am ET (0532 GMT) The Space Security Landscape Is Deteriorating Rapidly
The Diplomat — 1:31 am ET (0531 GMT) First SpaceX, now Louisiana plans to compete for NASA’s new U.S. Space Academy in New Orleans
New Orleans Advocate — 1:29 am ET (0529 GMT) |
