Abstract

Brown dwarfs are substellar objects that fall in-between the smallest stars and largest planets in size and temperature. Due to their relatively cool temperatures, the atmospheres of these 'failed stars' have been shown to exhibit interesting properties such as iron, silicate, and salt clouds. Theoretical atmospheric models based on known physics and chemistry can be used as tools to interpret and understand our observations of brown dwarfs. I have fit archival and new infrared spectra of over 300 brown dwarfs with atmospheric models. Using the parameters of the best-fit models as estimates for the physical properties of the brown dwarfs in my sample, I have performed a survey of how brown dwarfs evolve with spectral type and temperature. I present my fit results and observed trends. I use these fit results to note where current atmospheric models are able to well-replicate the data and where the models and data conflict.

Degree

College and Department

Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Physics and Astronomy

Rights

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