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VLT’s GRAVITY Instrument Detects ‘Tug’ from Colossal Exomoon; Could Be Largest Natural Satellite Ever Found
Astronomers have spotted a subtle orbital wobble around the massive exoplanet HD 206893 B, hinting at the presence of a gigantic moon nearly half Jupiter’s mass. If confirmed, it would be unlike any moon known, potentially redefining how scientists distinguish between moons, planets, and brown dwarfs.
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Webb Finds Phosphorus-Bearing Gas in an Ancient Brown Dwarf
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has detected phosphine (PH₃) in the atmosphere of the ancient brown dwarf Wolf 1130C, about 54 light-years away in Cygnus. This marks the first confirmed detection of a phosphorus-bearing gas in such a metal-poor object. The finding surprises astronomers, as phosphine was previously undetected in similar brown ...
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James Webb Space Telescope Detects Phosphine on Brown Dwarf Wolf 1130C
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have detected phosphine gas in the atmosphere of the brown dwarf Wolf 1130C, about 54 light-years away. The finding suggests phosphine can form in extreme, non-biological environments, challenging its status as a potential biomarker and reshaping how scientists search for alien life.
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JWST Delivers First-Ever Weather Report of Rogue Brown Dwarf World Glowing With Auroras
Astronomers using JWST have delivered the first weather report of SIMP-0136, a rogue brown dwarf about 20 light-years away. The study revealed stable silicate clouds, auroras heating the upper atmosphere, and possible giant storm systems. Findings mark a breakthrough in studying alien weather and pave the way for mapping exoplanet climates.
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Scientists Say Dark Matter Could Turn Failed Stars Into ‘Dark Dwarfs’
Astronomers suggest that brown dwarfs—dim, failed stars—could transform into “dark dwarfs” by capturing dark matter in their cores. When dark matter particles annihilate, they release heat, potentially lighting up these stars. Physicist Jeremy Sakstein and researchers like Jillian Paulin and Rebecca Leane support this idea, which could help...
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Dark Dwarfs: New Star-Like Objects May Reveal Nature of Dark Matter
Scientists have proposed a new class of stellar objects called “dark dwarfs,” sub-stellar bodies that may glow faintly from the energy released by annihilating dark matter particles. Found near the galaxy’s core, these objects could hold crucial clues about the elusive nature of dark matter. Powered not by fusion but by WIMP-like particles, d...
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Astronomers Detect Methane in the Atmosphere of the Nearest T Dwarf Star to Earth
Astronomers have detected methane in the nearest known T dwarf, offering new insight into its atmospheric composition. The study further highlights that the carbon abundance in the planet is estimated to be -1.5 dex, while the effective temperature could be around 1,000 K. The author of the paper further revealed that the low metallicity of the T ...
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James Webb Space Telescope Observes Mysterious Rogue Planet-Like Object
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured new insights into SIMP 0136, a planetary-mass object floating freely around 20 light-years away. This celestial body, possibly a rogue planet or a brown dwarf, has puzzled astronomers for years. JWST’s infrared observations have revealed intricate cloud layers, temperature shifts, and potential chemical...
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High-Resolution Observations Provide New Insights into Brown Dwarf HD 206893 B
Astronomers have gained significant insights into brown dwarf HD 206893 B using high-resolution spectroscopy. The study, led by UCSD's Ben Sappey, reveals the object's mass, temperature, and formation details, contributing to brown dwarf research. Located 133 light-years away, HD 206893 B's position within a debris disk invites future investigation...
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James Webb Space Telescope Reveals Unique Features of Westerlund 1 Star Cluster
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured groundbreaking images of Westerlund 1, a supermassive star cluster located 12,000 light-years away. The new findings offer a closer look at star formation processes, particularly the discovery of brown dwarfs, and highlight the role of energetic radiation in shaping planetary environments.
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VLT’s GRAVITY Instrument Detects ‘Tug’ from Colossal Exomoon; Could Be Largest Natural Satellite Ever Found
Astronomers have spotted a subtle orbital wobble around the massive exoplanet HD 206893 B, hinting at the presence of a gigantic moon nearly half Jupiter’s mass. If confirmed, it would be unlike any moon known, potentially redefining how scientists distinguish between moons, planets, and brown dwarfs.
-
Webb Finds Phosphorus-Bearing Gas in an Ancient Brown Dwarf
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has detected phosphine (PH₃) in the atmosphere of the ancient brown dwarf Wolf 1130C, about 54 light-years away in Cygnus. This marks the first confirmed detection of a phosphorus-bearing gas in such a metal-poor object. The finding surprises astronomers, as phosphine was previously undetected in similar brown ...
-
James Webb Space Telescope Detects Phosphine on Brown Dwarf Wolf 1130C
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have detected phosphine gas in the atmosphere of the brown dwarf Wolf 1130C, about 54 light-years away. The finding suggests phosphine can form in extreme, non-biological environments, challenging its status as a potential biomarker and reshaping how scientists search for alien life.
-
JWST Delivers First-Ever Weather Report of Rogue Brown Dwarf World Glowing With Auroras
Astronomers using JWST have delivered the first weather report of SIMP-0136, a rogue brown dwarf about 20 light-years away. The study revealed stable silicate clouds, auroras heating the upper atmosphere, and possible giant storm systems. Findings mark a breakthrough in studying alien weather and pave the way for mapping exoplanet climates.
-
Scientists Say Dark Matter Could Turn Failed Stars Into ‘Dark Dwarfs’
Astronomers suggest that brown dwarfs—dim, failed stars—could transform into “dark dwarfs” by capturing dark matter in their cores. When dark matter particles annihilate, they release heat, potentially lighting up these stars. Physicist Jeremy Sakstein and researchers like Jillian Paulin and Rebecca Leane support this idea, which could help...
-
Dark Dwarfs: New Star-Like Objects May Reveal Nature of Dark Matter
Scientists have proposed a new class of stellar objects called “dark dwarfs,” sub-stellar bodies that may glow faintly from the energy released by annihilating dark matter particles. Found near the galaxy’s core, these objects could hold crucial clues about the elusive nature of dark matter. Powered not by fusion but by WIMP-like particles, d...
-
Astronomers Detect Methane in the Atmosphere of the Nearest T Dwarf Star to Earth
Astronomers have detected methane in the nearest known T dwarf, offering new insight into its atmospheric composition. The study further highlights that the carbon abundance in the planet is estimated to be -1.5 dex, while the effective temperature could be around 1,000 K. The author of the paper further revealed that the low metallicity of the T ...
-
James Webb Space Telescope Observes Mysterious Rogue Planet-Like Object
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured new insights into SIMP 0136, a planetary-mass object floating freely around 20 light-years away. This celestial body, possibly a rogue planet or a brown dwarf, has puzzled astronomers for years. JWST’s infrared observations have revealed intricate cloud layers, temperature shifts, and potential chemical...
-
High-Resolution Observations Provide New Insights into Brown Dwarf HD 206893 B
Astronomers have gained significant insights into brown dwarf HD 206893 B using high-resolution spectroscopy. The study, led by UCSD's Ben Sappey, reveals the object's mass, temperature, and formation details, contributing to brown dwarf research. Located 133 light-years away, HD 206893 B's position within a debris disk invites future investigation...
-
James Webb Space Telescope Reveals Unique Features of Westerlund 1 Star Cluster
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured groundbreaking images of Westerlund 1, a supermassive star cluster located 12,000 light-years away. The new findings offer a closer look at star formation processes, particularly the discovery of brown dwarfs, and highlight the role of energetic radiation in shaping planetary environments.
