ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM

As brown dwarf masses and temperatures approach planetary thresholds, their stellar-like flare activity gives way to planet-like auroral and radiation belt activity. These overlapping magnetic activity regimes position brown dwarfs as unique, powerful, and accessible laboratories that probe star-planet interaction and exoplanet magnetospheric physics. The advent of JWST will yield new insights into auroral physics, while maturing low frequency radio arrays and a highly anticipated ngVLA will provide new means for detecting and characterizing substellar magnetospheres. Now is a critical time to prepare for an upcoming era of star-planet interaction and comparative magnetospheric science by harnessing detailed studies of brown dwarf magnetic activity. I will synthesize the state of the art for brown dwarf magnetospheric studies; discuss implications for exoplanet magnetism, star-planet interactions, and extrasolar volcanism; and highlight opportunities for the next generation of ground- and space-based radio facilities.