In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the University of Sydney have found the coolest known star in the universe. The newly discovered brown dwarf star, WISE J062309.94-045624.6, emits radio waves and has a surface temperature of only 420 degrees Celsius, making it cooler than a regular lighter. Brown dwarfs are primarily made up of hydrogen gas and lack internal energy sources, which means they emit very little visible light and are practically invisible to the human eye. To observe this star, the researchers used radio telescopes to detect the electromagnetic fields emitted by the star.
The scientists found that the star’s mass is no more than 44 times that of Jupiter, and it emits radio waves that vary in intensity over a cycle of approximately 1.9 hours. Brown dwarfs, which are significantly smaller than other stars, are often referred to as “failed stars” in astronomy because they lack the necessary gravitational force to trigger nuclear fusion. The researchers believe that the emission of radio waves from WISE J062309.94-045624.6 indicates the presence of a magnetic field, which is a unique phenomenon. They also believe that the star completes a full rotation around its own axis within the observed 1.9-hour cycle, generating a magnetic field and resulting in the emission of radio waves.
According to Kovi Rose, the lead researcher on the project, “In some cases, stars are cooler than the smoke rising from our campfire – I mean, that’s inspiring. It’s inspiring and humbling to understand our place in the universe.” This discovery sheds new light on the nature of brown dwarfs and their magnetic fields, and it could have significant implications for our understanding of the universe.
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