In which specific electromagnetic spectrum are brown dwarfs and dead stars primarily observed?
Answer
The infrared spectrum
True main-sequence stars emit energy strongly across the entire visual spectrum due to their high surface temperatures sustained by ongoing core fusion. In contrast, objects that are not actively fusing, such as brown dwarfs and stellar remnants, are inherently much cooler. Consequently, they do not shine brightly in visible light but instead emit most of their energy as relatively cool thermal radiation. This thermal emission peaks in the infrared wavelengths, meaning astronomers must focus their searches for these dim, boundary-line, or post-main-sequence bodies specifically in the infrared spectrum.
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