Elena Manjavacas, Space Telescope Science Institute

During their formation, brown dwarfs did not manage to accrue enough mass to ignite hydrogen fusion, and hence, they are not stars. In addition, they generally do not orbit a star, making them also not planets. Existing in the gap between planets and stars, brown dwarfs can be curious beasts. Some have very low mass, down to the range of some giant exoplanets. Others have been found to have clouds in their atmospheres, just as the giant planets of our solar system. Dr. Manjavacas will introduce these enigmatic objects and will explain how the study of brown dwarfs will enlighten our understanding of giant exoplanets in the era of the James Webb Space Telescope.

- News from the Universe starts at 4:10
- Main talk starts at 10:05

Host: Frank Summers, Space Telescope Science Institute
Recorded live on Tuesday, January 9, 2024
More information: www.stsci.edu/public-lectures