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Credit & Copyright: 60-inch Telescope,
Palomar Observatory,
T. Nakajima
(Caltech), S. Durrance
(JHU)
Explanation:
What type of matter makes up most of the universe? This question is
arguably the most perplexing astronomical mystery of our time. A leading
candidate is a type of dim, low mass star called a
"brown
dwarf" star. Our universe could contain more
brown
dwarfs than any other type of star - but they are so dim they have so
far escaped detection. The dramatic
photograph above,
taken in October 1994, sheds new light on this
"dark
matter" problem.
The seemingly inconspicuous companion to the right of the overexposed
image of a normal star is thought to be an elusive
brown
dwarf.
Now that the existence of brown dwarfs has been demonstrated, a key
remaining question is their abundance.
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NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: brown dwarf
Publications with words: brown dwarf
See also: