
Brown dwarfs are sometimes called "failed stars". They are born from interstellar clouds although it is not clear if in a fashion similar to the formation of stars or planets. Brown dwarfs lack the required minimum mass to be able to sustain nuclear reactions in their interiors so they are also known as failed stars and have some properties resembling those of giant planets. Discovering proto-brown dwarfs, i.e., very young brown dwarfs, is key to understanding how nature produces them. A recent study has found the best proto-brown dwarf candidate known to date. Calar Alto has contributed key data to this finding…


The diversity of colours, shapes, and sizes of planetary nebulae make them fascinating objects. In this photo release Calar Alto presents a rather unique view combining both optical and near-infrared data of the Ring Nebula (M57)...

This year’s edition of Calar Alto Academy represents the consolidation of this innovative effort to bring astronomy students to Calar Alto to perform practical observational work. The number of participants this year has been of 61, from a total of 6 Spanish universities. More universities and students may be added in future editions...
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