Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Aug 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009noao.prop..494g&link_type=abstract
NOAO Proposal ID #2009B-0494
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
The multiplicity properties of very low mass stars and brown dwarfs are critical empirical constraints for formation theories, while multiples themselves provide unique opportunities to test evolutionary and atmospheric models and examine empirical trends. Existing samples of late-type binaries are drawn almost entirely from resolved imaging programs, limiting our understanding of the closely-separated binary population for which dynamical mass measurements and transit observations are most likely. We have recently developed a method for identifying and characterizing unresolved late-type M/L dwarf + T dwarf binaries using low-resolution, near-infrared spectroscopy, a method that is not constrained by separation limitations. We propose to image 14 binaries identified by this method at high resolution with Keck NIRC2 LGS-AO in order to resolve and characterize the most widely-separated systems, or set limits on the separations of unresolved systems. The former will provide necessary information for characterizing the still poorly-understood L dwarf/T dwarf transition and first epochs for astrometric orbit determinations; the latter will allow us to select optimal targets for high resolution spectroscopic monitoring and corresponding brown dwarf mass measurements.
Burgasser Adam
Faherty Jackie
Gelino Christopher R.
Kirkpatrick Joseph D.
Looper Dagny
No associations
LandOfFree
Hidden Gems: Resolving M/L Dwarf + T Dwarfs Binaries does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Hidden Gems: Resolving M/L Dwarf + T Dwarfs Binaries, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hidden Gems: Resolving M/L Dwarf + T Dwarfs Binaries will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1299993