• April 19, 2025
• 5:30 PM

Substellar Wonders: Brown Dwarfs in the Cosmos with Caprice Phillips

The study of exoplanets and brown dwarfs is entering a golden era. Hundreds of substellar objects, known as brown dwarfs, provide valuable insights into planetary and stellar formation. Often described as "failed stars," these objects offer a unique perspective on the chemistry, formation, and atmospheric dynamics of celestial bodies.

This talk explores the history of brown dwarfs, their significance in planetary science, and the latest discoveries enabled by the James Webb Space Telescope. Key topics include their atmospheric composition, meteorology, and formation pathways.

About Caprice Phillips

Caprice Phillips is a PhD candidate in Astronomy at The Ohio State University, specializing in brown dwarf atmospheric characterization and stellar abundance studies. Her research combines observational and computational techniques to analyze physical and chemical processes in brown dwarfs and directly imaged exoplanets.

Originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Collaborating with leading experts in the field, her work sheds light on the origins and properties of these fascinating objects. In September 2025, she will join the University of California, Santa Cruz, as a Postdoctoral Scholar.