In this illustration, an artist has depicted a brown dwarf, which is a unique class of object that falls between the category of planet and star. Despite its small size, it is too large to be classified as a planet but not large enough to sustain nuclear fusion like stars.
Brown dwarfs are easily recognizable due to their wind-driven horizontal bands of clouds that give them a striped appearance. They also have massive storm systems that are similar in size to terrestrial continents or small planets. These objects typically appear red to the naked eye and are brightest in infrared light.
Despite their name, brown dwarfs do not resemble the color brown; instead, they appear reddish-brown in color. Additionally, many brown dwarfs have binary companions that eventually break apart as they age, causing each dwarf to go its separate way.
The background stars in this illustration were created using data from the Gaia spacecraft star catalog. These synthesized stars are accurate in terms of their position, brightness, and color. Unlike in the Milky Way galaxy, this image does not include glowing nebulae or dark dust clouds.
In conclusion, brown dwarfs are fascinating objects with unique characteristics that set them apart from planets and stars alike. Their striped appearance and massive storm systems make them stand out while their red-brown color and binary companion make them even more intriguing.
As we continue to explore space through innovative technology like the Gaia spacecraft star catalog, we will undoubtedly discover more about these enigmatic objects and how they fit into our understanding of the universe.
