Space

NASA’s SPHEREx Telescope Sees Menagerie of Brown Dwarfs

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Briefings

NASA's SPHEREx telescope launched in March 2025 is mapping thousands of brown dwarfs by analyzing their infrared spectra. A study published in The Astrophysical Journal analyzed 37 nearby brown dwarfs spanning 4,000 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, revealing chemically rich atmospheres containing water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. The telescope's unique spectral coverage allows it to observe wavelengths invisible to ground-based instruments, enabling scientists to study the chemical evolution of these objects. Key findings indicate that brown dwarfs have complex, diverse compositions that challenge existing theoretical models, prompting further exploration of their full diversity. The research team includes scientists from Caltech, IPAC, and institutions in South Korea and Taiwan, with analysis conducted by a team led by Jamie Bock.

Key points

• SPHEREx telescope launched in March 2025 analyzes thousands of brown dwarfs by measuring their infrared spectra across 102 wavelengths.
• A study of 37 nearby brown dwarfs revealed chemically rich atmospheres containing water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane.

Context and limitations

The study focused on 37 brown dwarfs; thousands more are being analyzed. Specific chemical signatures may vary across the temperature range. The research is based on observations from a telescope launched in March 2025, with data analysis conducted by a team of 13 institutions.

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