We used Webb's unprecedented sensitivity at infrared wavelengths to search for the faintest members of a young star cluster, seeking to address a fundamental question in astronomy: How light an object can form like a star? It turns out the smallest free-floating objects that form like stars can be several times more massive than Jupiter, contributing insights into the processes that govern star and planet formation.
The James Webb Space Telescope's ability to observe in infrared light allowed us to penetrate through the dense dust of the nebula NGC 1333. This capability is key to understanding the formation of these objects, which were previously obscured from view. By studying these rogue worlds, we gain insights into the conditions under which celestial objects coalesce in star-forming regions.
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