In the new study, scientists used the radiation spectrum of a brown dwarf to determine the composition of VHS 1256-1257 b. The study showed that water, methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, sodium and potassium are common in the atmosphere of the brown dwarf.
Inside the atmosphere, scientists were able to detect clouds of silicates. These are long structures of and particles with a submicron grain size. Such clouds were previously predicted theoretically, but no one has been able to confirm them. Researchers believe that these clouds are forsterite, enstatite and quartz.
Planetary scientists note that this is the first such detailed study of the composition of a brown dwarf. Its results can be used to observe other similar objects.
