Final answer:
A brown dwarf shines primarily with infrared radiation because their cooler temperatures result in less visible or ultraviolet light emission.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brown dwarfs, often referred to as "failed stars," possess temperatures lower than those of typical stars like the Sun. As a consequence of their cooler temperatures, brown dwarfs emit the majority of their radiation in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike stars that radiate visible and ultraviolet light due to their higher temperatures, brown dwarfs are not as luminous in these spectral regions.
The emission spectrum of astronomical objects is fundamentally linked to their temperature, as described by Planck's law. Cooler objects emit radiation with longer wavelengths, shifting towards the infrared region. Given that brown dwarfs are cooler than stars, their peak radiation occurs in the infrared spectrum, making this part of the electromagnetic spectrum crucial for their detection.
When designing space telescopes for the purpose of identifying and studying brown dwarfs, a focus on the infrared part of the spectrum is imperative. Telescopes equipped with infrared detectors are essential for capturing the characteristic infrared radiation emitted by these celestial objects. Infrared observations allow astronomers to penetrate through cosmic dust and observe objects that might be obscured in visible light, providing valuable insights into the properties, composition, and atmospheric conditions of brown dwarfs. Therefore, the design and utilization of space telescopes optimized for infrared detection are essential tools in the exploration and understanding of these intriguing astronomical entities.