Astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have made an unexpected discovery of a brown dwarf with methane emission. The brown dwarf, named W1935, lacks a host star and emits infrared radiation from methane. This finding, which suggests the presence of processes generating aurorae, will be presented at the American Astronomical Society’s 243rd meeting in New Orleans.
Methane emission is typically seen in gas giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn, where it is linked to auroral processes. Aurorae occur when energetic particles from the Sun interact with a planet’s magnetic field. However, for brown dwarfs like W1935, the absence of a stellar wind to contribute to aurorae presents a mystery.
The team of astronomers speculates that unaccounted internal processes or external interactions may explain the methane emission observed in W1935. To study the brown dwarf, citizen scientist Dan Caselden initially discovered W1935, and it was subsequently studied by the James Webb Space Telescope.
Computer models were then used to infer the presence of a temperature inversion in W1935’s atmosphere. By comparing the observations of W1935 with gas giant planets in our solar system, researchers were able to serve as proxies and provide valuable insights into the brown dwarf’s nature.
This discovery marks the first time that methane emission and aurorae have been observed outside of our solar system. It showcases the power and capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope as a premier space science observatory.
As further observations and analysis are conducted, scientists hope to unravel the mystery behind the methane emission seen in W1935. These findings may provide valuable clues about the processes occurring in brown dwarfs and deepen our understanding of the universe beyond our own solar system.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”