| The coming decade promises to be transformative for brown dwarf science, driven by the complementary capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). JWST’s unparalleled infrared sensitivity enables the detection of free-floating, Jupiter-mass objects in young star clusters, the study of brown dwarfs in distant, low-metallicity environments, detailed spectroscopic analysis of brown dwarf atmospheres, studies of disks around brown dwarfs and planetary-mass objects, etc. In parallel, ELTs will offer high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy through adaptive optics, allowing the study of brown dwarfs in the cores of the densest Milky Way clusters, the chemistry of brown dwarf disks, atmospheric feature mapping, and dynamical masses through companion observations. By combining JWST’s wide-field imaging and powerful spectral coverage with the spatial resolution and sensitivity of ELTs, we can address key questions about brown dwarf formation and evolution. This talk will explore the synergies between these facilities and their potential to transform our understanding of brown dwarfs. |
