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
|
|
Thursday, January 8
Four Vendors Are Set To Build New LEO Missile-Tracking Constellation
Aviation Week — 6:36 am ET (1136 GMT) Global Orbital Launch Rate Jumped 25% In 2025
Aviation Week — 6:36 am ET (1136 GMT) First Vulcan Launch Announced In New Era For ULA
Aviation Week — 6:36 am ET (1136 GMT) TPS evaluations taking place at Starbase on next two Ships to fly
NasaSpaceFlight.com — 6:34 am ET (1134 GMT) Vandenberg Announces Plan for New ‘Super-Heavy’ Launch Site
Santa Barbara (CA) Independent — 6:34 am ET (1134 GMT) |
