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    Astronomers find Jupiter-like Cloud Bands on Closest Brown Dwarf

    May 8, 2020, Categories  Astronomy/Space

    Artist’s illustration of the brown dwarf Luhman 16A. Astronomers have inferred the presence of cloud bands on Luhman 16A using a technique called polarimetry, in which polarized light is measured from an astrophysical object much like polarized sunglasses are used to block out glare. This is the first time that polarimetry has been used to measure cloud patterns on a brown dwarf. 
    (Image: © Caltech/R. Hurt (IPAC))

    A team of astronomers has discovered that the closest known brown dwarf, Luhman 16A, shows signs of cloud bands similar to those seen on Jupiter and Saturn. This is the first time scientists have used the technique of polarimetry to determine the properties of atmospheric clouds outside of the solar system, or exoclouds.

    Brown dwarfs are objects heavier than planets but ...

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