JWST unveils the brown dwarf sequence of 47 Tucanae

TL;DR

This study demonstrates a method to recover photometry and astrometry from compromised JWST images, revealing the faintest stellar objects, possibly brown dwarfs, in the globular cluster 47 Tucanae, and setting the stage for future confirmation.

Contribution

Developed a technique to extract data from degraded JWST images, enabling the detection of the faintest objects in a globular cluster, including potential brown dwarfs.

Findings

Recovered photometry and astrometry of the coolest objects in 47 Tucanae

Identified candidate brown dwarfs based on proper motion and models

Established a foundation for future JWST observations to confirm brown dwarf membership

Abstract

We have developed a technique to restore scientific usage in compromised (publicly-available) images collected with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) of the Galactic globular cluster NGC 104 (47 Tucanae). In spite of the degradation and limited data, we were able to recover photometry and astrometry for the coolest stellar objects ever observed within a globular cluster, possibly unveiling the brightest part of the brown dwarf (BD) sequence. This is supported by: (i) proper motion membership, derived by the comparison with positions obtained from Hubble Space Telescope archival early epochs; (ii) the predicted location of the BD sequence; and (iii) the mass function for low-mass stars derived from models. Future JWST observations will provide the necessary deep and precise proper motions to confirm the nature of the here-identified BD candidates belonging to this globular cluster.